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

Down

The USPCA will host its Annual Open Day at the Animal Hospital in Newry on Saturday the 22nd of September from 10.00am to  2.00pm. The Q Radio Saturday Brunch show will broadcast live from the animal hospital and there will be competitions, loads of giveaways and fun for all the family.  Other open day highlights include family activities, PSNI Dog Display, USPCA Animal Hospital tours, BBQ, Bouncy Castles, Face Painting, Jumping Clay, Animal Advice including discounted microchipping, and lots of fun and games.  The USPCA will also host a Dog Show and visitors are encouraged to bring along their dogs to join in. Registrations for the Dog Show will take place on the day and there are some fantastic prizes up for grabs.

Armagh

Treat yourself to a sumptuous afternoon tea aboard the Big Red Bus at Loughgall Country Park, right in the heart of the Orchard County on 22nd and 23rd September.  Served on vintage crockery, you will be treated to a wide selection of savoury and sweet courses using the finest seasonal ingredients sourced from within the Food Heartland area.  Enjoy your scones, sandwiches, meringues and cakes to the sounds of vintage 50’s and 60’s music. This event is part of the Armagh Food and Cider Festival 2018. See the full programme at visitarmagh.com. Booking essential.

Fermanagh

It’s time for Festival Lough Erne, a celebration of the best local food and the Fermanagh Lakelands, 22nd and 23rd September.  A great weekend of activities on and off the water – enjoy the Lough Erne Cot Regatta, cookery demonstrations by local chefs, artisan food and drink producers PLUS live entertainment.  Come along and join the fun, Festival Lough Erne, Enniskillen Castle, 22 and 23 September.  For further information visit festivallougherne.com.

Tyrone

Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh are brewing up a storm in Lola’s at Silverbirch Hotel with the return of North West Brew Fest, Craft Drinks Festival on Saturday 22nd September. This exciting event is all about great drink and will showcase local Craft Gin, Vodka, Rum, Whiskey, Beer, Cider produced the North West and beyond featuring some of Ireland’s top distilleries and breweries. Festival goers will have the opportunity to taste for themselves a collection of craft drinks that have been hand crafted and locally made as well as meeting first hand some of the characters behind the ever growing Irish brewing scene while enjoying live entertainment by Anna’s Number & Monte Thompson.

Derry/Londonderry

For one night only at The Waterside Theatre Coleraine, Bray Lewis productions bring you 2 of Alan Bennett’s Talking Heads!  Bray Lewis Productions is a new company formed by Jeremy Lewis and Valerie Bray, both experienced actors.  This is guaranteed to be a good night’s entertainment. Thursday 20th September.

Antrim

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is holding a free two-day Health and Wellness Fair on the 23rd & 24th September at Lagan Valley Island, Lisburn.  This free event will feature expert talks, workshops, one-to-one consultations and you will also get the opportunity to purchase health and wellbeing products from local providers.  Statutory organisations as well as local healthcare providers will also be present.  Opening times are 1.00pm – 6.00pm on Sunday 23rd September and 10:00am – 7:00pm on Monday 24th September. Entry is free, however any donations received by visitors will go to the Mayor’s Charity, Cancer Fund for Children.

Belfast

Calling all families!  On Sunday 23rd September, have the ultimate family day out with W5 and the Stena Line Belfast Giants!  Discover over 250 interactive exhibits at the award-winning Science & Discovery Centre and then watch NI’s professional ice-hockey team hit the ice to take on the Fife Flyers in The SSE Arena, Belfast!  Save 47% by booking the Joint Family Ticket for 2 adults & 2 children or 1 adult & 3 children for £39.00! Free car parking is also included.  Tickets can be purchased online or by calling the SSE Arena, Belfast Box Office on 02890739074. Visit www.w5online.co.uk for full information and online booking.

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.