Author: whatsonni

The Fray

Autumn Light Tour

National Stadium, Dublin – 12 November

Ulster Hall, Belfast – 13 November

Tickets on sale Friday 20th March

Following a triumphant, sold-out Telegraph Building show after a decade-long hiatus, The Fray have announced their return to play The National Stadium, Dublin on 12 November and Ulster Hall, Belfast on 13 November 2026.

Tickets on sale Friday 20^th March at 10am from Ticketmaster.ie & www.ulsterhall.co.uk

The Fray had previously visited last November for the final dates of their How to Save a Life: 20th Anniversary Tour, which celebrated two decades of their iconic debut album. The multi-Platinum-selling band – composed of lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter Joe King, guitarist Dave Welsh, and drummer Ben Wysocki – continues to captivate audiences with the emotional depth and cinematic sweep of their music.

Originally rising to prominence in the early 2000s, the Colorado-bred group introduced a uniquely soul-searching alt-rock sound—timeless yet inventive, arena-sized yet profoundly intimate. Over the years, The Fray has earned four GRAMMY Award nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, multiple Billboard Top 10 hits, and a deeply devoted global fanbase. Their breakout single, “How To Save A Life,” spent 58 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining anthem of ABC’s Emmy-winning series “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Praised by Rolling Stone for their “stick-in-your-head hooks and eloquent narratives” and by the Los Angeles Times for their “melodically rich” songwriting, The Fray’s 2005 debut album How to Save a Life is certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA and remains one of the best-selling digital debuts of all time. The band is currently working on new music, with additional releases planned in the coming months, following the recent launch of their latest single, “A Light That Waits.”

Connect with The Fray

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Debt can affect anyone. Yet the shame people feel around it often prevents them from getting the support they need.

Northern Ireland continues to face high levels of financial vulnerability, with many households affected by low wages, insecure work, rising energy and food costs, and limited access to savings. As a result, more people are turning to credit to make ends meet, often leading to unmanageable debt.

TITANIC Belfast has welcomed an original lifejacket worn by a female survivor which will be on public display for a limited time.

The rare artefact is on loan from Wiltshire auction house Henry Aldridge and Sons, the world’s leading Titanic memorabilia auctioneers, until Sunday 5^th April, before going to auction on 18^th April. It was worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, who survived the tragic sinking of RMS Titanic alongside 11 other passengers in Lifeboat 1. A First-Class passenger, Laura Mabel was the secretary to fashion designer, Lady Lucy Duff Gordon. They were journeying to Chicago for business, accompanied by Lady Lucy’s husband, Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon.

The lifejacket bears the signature of Francatelli along with other survivors including leading fireman Charles Hendrickson, fireman George Taylor and able seaman James Horswill and is one of very few remaining original lifejackets that are identifiable to the person who wore it.

The artefact will form part of a wider free exhibition ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’, located on Level 1 Apex of the world-leading visitor attraction and will explore the stories of the women who travelled onboard Titanic including Helen Churchill Candee, Marjorie Anne Newell and Annie Clemmer Funk.

Eimear Kearney, Commercial Director of Titanic Belfast said: “We are honoured to display the lifejacket worn by Laura Mabel Francatelli, a survivor of RMS Titanic and celebrate the women who travelled onboard through our ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’ exhibition. It offers a deeply personal connection to the story of Titanic and to one of its passengers, whose life was spared in the tragedy but irrevocably changed and shaped forever.

Displaying an artefact worn and signed by Laura Mabel allows us to tell a powerful story of survival, memory and legacy. We are thrilled to be able to give guests from around the world this added experience to view yet another rare piece of Titanic history.”

Andrew Aldridge, Managing Director of Henry Aldridge and Sons, said: “We are delighted to be able to place such a significant artefact on public display at Titanic Belfast ahead of its forthcoming auction. Exhibiting Laura Mabel Francatelli’s lifejacket in the city where Titanic was built offers visitors a unique opportunity to view this object of historical importance and find out more about the human story behind it.”

For further information on the ‘Women of Titanic: Survival, Influence & Legacy’ exhibition or to book tickets for the Titanic Experience, visit titanicbelfast.com

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has welcomed the announcement of a brand new ‘Walking for All’ programme. A major cross-border initiative supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), and led by Outscape, launched on Friday 27 February 2026 at The Junction, Dungannon.

Supported by €7.5 million from the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), ‘Walking for All’ will aim to engage over 14,000 people across rural areas in Northern Ireland and the border counties to engage in accessible, led walking activities.

Designed to improve health and well-being in rural communities by making walking more accessible, enjoyable, and social for everyone to explore and participate in, Walking for All, will deliver short, regular walks in local community spaces.

The programme is open to adults, regardless of age, background, or ability. By fostering a focus on connection, inclusion, and well-being, Walking for All will seek to build sustainable, healthy communities and address issues such as social isolation, wellbeing and inactivity.

The programme is being delivered by Outscape in partnership with 15 partner organisations across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, including 8 local authorities, the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust and 6 Local Sports Partnerships. Sport Ireland, Mountaineering Ireland (Get Ireland Walking), and the Public Health Agency are associate partners. Locally this project is being led by Bridie Kelly, the newly appointed Walking for All Officer for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, who will support the development of these walking groups across the council area, working closely with local communities.

16 dedicated Walking for All Officers have already been recruited and will lead the programme as well as train Walk Leaders, supporting the creation of nearly 600 walking groups and engaging thousands in regular, social walks over the next three years.

Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Minister Andrew Muir MLA said: ‘I’m delighted that my Department, working in partnership with DRCDG and SEUPB, is providing funding under the PEACEPLUS programme to the Walking for All (WFA) project. WFA is not just about walking – it is about inspiring people to come together through shared, volunteer led experiences, strengthening bonds within our rural communities while enjoying the beauty of our countryside at its very best.

This project will create a lasting legacy of healthier, happier and more connected rural communities, demonstrating the remarkable impact of community-led initiatives to inspire long-term positive change and helping rural areas to thrive as places where people can live, work and prosper.’

The Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Dara Calleary TD, and Minister of State with Responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Jerry Buttimer TD, welcomed the announcement.

Minister Calleary said: “I would like to express my gratitude to all those who contributed to the Walking for All initiative. I am pleased that my Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht will continue to support this outstanding project in collaboration with the Special EU Programmes Body and the Department of Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Affairs in Northern Ireland. The area will reap long-term benefits from this project”.

Minister Buttimer added: “This significant funding will support social interaction, reduce isolation and encourage active lifestyles. The planned investment will enable communities to reach their full potential in terms of the economy, society, and environment.”

Welcoming the announcement, Gina McIntyre, CEO of the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB), said: “Walking for All reflects the purpose of PEACEPLUS by creating opportunities for people to come together in ways that strengthen health, confidence and connection. Many rural communities may not have easy access to sports facilities, and this programme offers a simple and inclusive way to address those challenges. By providing trained support, accessible routes and a welcoming structure, it will help thousands of people build new routines and deepen their sense of belonging together. We are pleased to support an initiative that encourages shared enjoyment of the outdoors and contributes to long-term wellbeing across our region.”‑term wellbeing across our region.”

Gareth Moore, Head of Participation at Outscape added: “Walking for All will enable people of all ages and abilities across NI and the border counties to ‘step out’ in supported, inclusive and welcoming walking groups. Rooted in rural communities, this landmark participation programme seeks to increase levels of physical activity, while addressing social isolation and loneliness amongst some members of our community. 

The funding from PEACEPLUS will bring communities to the heart of their local landscapes, enabling them to explore, create friendships and support each other through walking and in shared appreciation of the outdoors.

Trained Walk Leaders will deliver local walks within their communities, supported by Officers engaged by local authorities and sports partnerships. This network of Walk Leaders will be responsible for delivering life-enhancing support to their communities in a fun and fulfilling role, leading a short, regular weekly walk near their home. Together with our partners, we’re excited to offer everyone the opportunity to walk together, make new friends and improve their health through Walking for All.”

Walking for All is a key priority for both governments across the island, supporting public health, community wellbeing, and preventative action.  Research shows that structured walking is one of the most cost-effective and inclusive ways to increase physical activity, improve mental wellbeing, reduce social isolation, and deepen people’s connection with nature, whilst strengthening community participation and cross-sector collaboration.

Dawson Stelfox, Chair of Outscape and the first Irishman to summit Mount Everest speaking on the programme potential added;  “Walking for All is a vital investment in community health and wellbeing across NI and the border counties of Ireland, rooted in the evidence that simple, locally led walking programmes can deliver lasting benefits which improve physical and mental wellbeing, reduce isolation and strengthen community ties.

Outscape is proud to be the lead delivery partner for Walking for All working in partnership with Councils, LSPs, health bodies and community organisations. The programme has the potential to reach people who might otherwise be left behind, as well as create sustainable, positive change in community wellbeing and social cohesion across the region.”

Welcoming the launch announcement, the Deputy Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Julie Gilmour said; “This initiative shows what can be achieved when partners work together with a shared purpose. Walking for All will bring lasting benefits to our rural communities, helping people feel more connected, supported and active as they enjoy the outdoors. We are delighted that Antrim and Newtownabbey will be at the heart of this important work. I would encourage people in our community to visit the Council’s website to find out more, antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/walking-for-all.”

Visit www.walkingforall.com for more information on becoming a Walk Leader or to find local walks.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is delighted to announce the Mayor’s Charity Concert, taking place on Saturday 28 March 2026 at 7.30pm in Bangor Elim Church.

This uplifting evening promises a vibrant celebration of local talent, community spirit and the Borough’s shared commitment to inclusivity and belonging. Audiences will enjoy an inspiring night of performances from some of the area’s most loved musical groups and musicians.

A Showcase of Local Talent

The concert brings together a wonderful line‑up of performers, including:

Ards Comhaltas | Bangor Ladies Choir | Jackie Rainey and Emma D Drummer | Bangor Ukes | Donaghadee Male Voice Choir | Bangor Grammar School Jazz Band | Orchardville Band and Makaton Choir

From traditional melodies to jazz arrangements, and from choral harmonies to uplifting community ensembles, the evening offers something for everyone.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum said:

“This concert is a celebration of who we are as a community — diverse, welcoming and stronger together. The theme of Belonging is especially important to me in my Mayoral year, and I can think of no better way to express that than through music that brings people of all backgrounds together. I am deeply grateful to every performer taking part, and to everyone purchasing a ticket – we’re really looking forward to welcoming you.”

Every ticket purchased directly supports life‑changing work right here in our community, with all proceeds supporting the Mayor’s three chosen charities, each carrying out essential work across the Borough:

Orchardville – empowering individuals with learning disabilities and autism
St Vincent de Paul – supporting local families experiencing hardship
Women’s Aid North Down and Ards – providing safety and refuge for women and children

The Mayor’s Charity Concert is set to be a joyful night of harmony, celebration and connection. Whether attending with friends, family or as part of a local group, everyone is warmly invited to be part of this special evening.

Event Details

Saturday 28 March 2026
Doors 7:00pm | Concert begins 7:30pm
Bangor Elim Church, BT19 7WP
Tickets: £12 (booking fee applies)
Available now via Mayor’s Charity Concert! Sat 28th March 7.30pm Bangor Elim at Bangor Elim Church event tickets from TicketSource

Words, In Other Places, an Irish Writers Centre Literary Festival presented in partnership with the European Parliament Liaison Office in Ireland, will take place over one weekend — Saturday 11 April at the Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University Belfast, and Sunday 12 April at the Irish Writers Centre in Dublin.

Each day will feature three distinct events, offering audiences the opportunity to engage with some of the most compelling writers working today.