Here are ten exciting things taking place 3 – 9 February 2020.
1. under-the-hawthorn-tree Under the Hawthorn Tree Belfast, 30 January – 9 February. The acclaimed production Under the Hawthorn Tree is returning to Belfast in a presentation by the award-winning children’s theatre company, Cahoots NI and the MAC, featuring a star-studded cast including Frankie McCafferty and Julia Dearden. Based on the internationally acclaimed book by award-winning author Marita Conlon-McKenna Under the Hawthorn Tree follows the journey of three brave siblings as they fight for survival during the Potato Famine in Ireland, 1845.
2. Kirkistown-Point-to-Point Kirkistown Point to Point Newtownards, 8 February. Point-to-point is the perfect day out for all the family where you can witness the future stars of the racing industry make their introduction into competitive racing. Unlike most racecourses, spectators can stand beside one of the fences and feel the power of the horses as they jump a fence in full flight. The track is also the perfect location for a picnic from the boot of your car where you can enjoy the action with your friends and family.
3. No-Other-Word-For-It No Other Word for it Derry~Londonderry, 26 January – 9 February. An immersive installation combining music, sculpture, light, text and video mapping by Ailís Ní Ríain. Ailís Ní Ríain is an Irish contemporary classical composer and published writer for stage who aims to produce work that challenges, provokes and engages. A regular collaborator with artists in other art-forms, her artistic interests are diverse and combined with an unwavering desire to push and develop her artistic practice through each new project or commission.
4. Belfast-Gin-School Belfast Gin School Belfast, 25 January – 28 March. Through experiential learning, with master distiller, Ian, you will have the opportunity to see gin being distilled, learn about flavour combinations and make your own. Each participant will receive a goodie bag containing their own miniature bottle of gin to serve with their tonic of choice at home. A great afternoon with gin and cupcakes, what’s not to love?
5. Winter-Bird-Watching-Birds-on-the-Bann Winter Bird Watching Coleraine, 9 February. It’s the start of a new year so why not get out and enjoy a wildlife watching boat trip with Causeway Lass. Enjoy a river trip experience on board Causeway Lass whilst exploring the Bann estuary. Witness wildlife and scenery during this two hour trip with their eagle eyed guide.
6. Paranormal-Investigation Paranormal Investigation Belfast, 18 January – 31 March. On this four hour investigation you will be taken to the most active areas in the Gaol and will be given the chance to use equipment as used by experts while conducting your very own ghost hunt. The areas you will visit will include the reception, the condemned man’s cell, execution chamber, the tunnel and the flogging room.
7. St-Columbs-School-of-Music-Official-Opening St Columb’s School of Music Official Opening Derry~Londonderry, 8 February. The Priests, Irish tenor and folk singer George Hutton, local concert pianist Ruth McGinley and jazz aficionados Scott Flanigan and Cathal Roche will be among the glittering line-up of performers at the official launch of St Columb’s School of Music which will be compered by RTE television and radio personality, Mr Bryan Dobson.
8. Cakebread-Wine-Dinner Cakebread and Wine Dinner Belfast, 4 February. Berts Jazz Bar invites you to their unique Cakebread Wine Dinner. On the island for the first time, the team from the Cakebread Vineyard in California will be hosting a delightful evening, serving up a sumptuous five course dinner along with wine pairings hosted by Bruce Cakebread.
9. Walled-City-400 Walled City 400 Derry~Londonderry, 18 February 2019 to 31 March 2020. Last year marked the 400th anniversary of the completion of the Derry Walls. Built from 1613-1619, the Walls are the largest ancient monument in Northern Ireland, the only remaining Walled City in Ireland and one of the finest examples of Walled Cities in Europe.
10. Life-Cycles-by-Lorna-Smyth Life Cycle by Lorna Smyth Enniskillen, 2 December 2019 – 18 April 2020. This showcase of new works, curated by renowned artist Lorna Smyth, encompasses the four seasons in one year. Lorna’s art emphasises the world around us, highlights her love of nature and captures a sense of belonging regardless of the place name.
For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.discovernorthernireland.com