• Belfast selected for French and Japanese International Cultural Partnerships
• 14 Premieres, 200+ events, 20 days
• 15 October – 3 November 2019
• International programme focuses on crossing artistic borders and pushing boundaries

The programme for the 57^th Belfast International Arts Festival has been launched, with a showcase performance by one of the Festival’s signature artists, Cuban-born Parisian musician, La Dame Blanche, who will perform at the Belfast Empire on Friday 18^th October.  (Real name) Yaite Ramos Rodriguez is the daughter of the Creative Director of the Buena Vista Social Club.  Reflecting the festival’s key themes of internationalism and artistic fusion, La Dame Blanche brought guests at the launch to their feet with her infectious and unique blend of hip-hop, cumbia and reggae.

Festival Artistic Director, Richard Wakely unveiled the programme, which will this year feature over 200 events from the world of music, dance, film, visual arts, literature and theatre.

He revealed that Belfast has been chosen to contribute to two major international cultural celebrations, Japan-UK Season of Culture and FranceDance UK.  He said, “The 2019 Belfast International Arts Festival will open on 15 October with the UK premiere of Median, a contemporary paring of choreography with digital projection and electronic sound from Japanese multi-disciplinary artist Hiroaki Umeda. Think of the most creative music videos by Radiohead and Aphex Twin, meets the stealth and intensity of The Matrix.  Also featuring in the programme will be ASUNA, a wonderful young artist from Tokyo with his quirky, immersive sound installation, 100 Keyboards. It is an honour to have been selected to host some of Japan’s finest artists.”

Richard went on to reveal another major arts first for the city.  He said, “Showcasing the best of international dance for Belfast audiences has always been one of my biggest goals for the Festival.  I am especially pleased to announce that on the weekend of 25^th and 26^th October, Belfast International Arts Festival will be co-hosting the first ever all-Ireland dance conference, Co-Motion, in partnership with Dance Ireland, Dance Resource Base and Queen’s University Belfast.

“That weekend’s Festival programme will include performances by Shobana Jeyasingh Dance performing an Irish premiere of Staging Schiele (the story of radical Austrian nude artist and self-portraitist, Egon Schiele) before it heads to Southbank’s Queen Elizabeth Hall for its London run; and acclaimed French company (LA)HORDE performing their high energy jumpstyle piece To Da Bone.  This is a captivating, contemporary rebel-call to the social media generation, both in its narrative and in the way that the cast was crowd-sourced from across Europe, through an open audition on the internet.  The work of (LA)HORDE will be recognisable from the multi-million-viewed music video for Christine and the Queens’ track Girlfriend.” This y

Aspects Festival is delighted to once again welcome Lady Dufferin and The Clandeboye Reading Party to be part of this year’s festival programme.

The Reading Party is a joint initiative between Trinity College Dublin, Queen’s University Belfast, Clandeboye Estate and Aspects Festival and is returning to the Festival for its fourth year. This year’s theme is “Food for Thought” and the programme will feature a weekend of public talks, discussions, readings, launches and food, all taking place at Clandeboye Courtyard, 5 – 6 October.

On Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October, The Reading Party will host a series of free Lightning Talks about the history, culture and literature of food and drink. These showcases always promote interesting discussion and are free to attend, although registration is required.

Sure to be a highlight of the weekend, Lady Dufferin will host a Mad Hatter’s Tea party in Clandeboye’s beautiful Banqueting Hall on Saturday afternoon at 3pm. Expect an afternoon tea with a difference with a delightful spread provided by The Kitchen Academy. The fun afternoon will also include some food anecdotes from Lady Dufferin and her guests. Mad Hats are optional!

On Sunday afternoon at 3.30pm, florist to royalty Shane Connolly will give a special talk on the relationship between Flowers, Food and Drink. Northern Ireland native Shane designed the flowers for the weddings of TRH Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall and TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and holds the Royal Warrant for both HM The Queen and HRH The Prince of Wales.

The Festival is also delighted to welcome Dr Susan Flavin from Trinity College who will be giving a free talk on The History of What We Eat and Drink on Sunday at 5pm. Susan’s research concentrates on the history of trade, consumption and material culture and identity in Ireland c1550 – 1650.

Women Aloud NI make a welcome return to Aspects on Sunday at 6.30pm with their Food for Thought event which will feature poetry inspired by food! Enjoy this showcase of local poets celebrating their love of good food! Women Aloud NI is a local initiative which aims to raise the profile of the women’s writing scene in Northern Ireland. This is a free event but registration is required.

Join the incredibly talented duo The Darkling Air on Sunday at 8pm, as they launch their new album at the Festival Finale event. The Darkling Air are Rachel McCarthy and Michael Keeney joined by their long-time collaborators Arco String Quartet. This will be the first performance of their new album Ancestor. Expect an evening of a haunting music in the atmospheric setting of Clandeboye’s Banqueting Hall.

Aspects Festival runs until October 6 at various locations around Bangor. For further information on the programme and to book tickets see aspectsfestival.com

Popular family Christmas event to take place at Culloden & Slieve Donard Resort

DUE to overwhelming demand from families across Northern Ireland for Polar Express at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa over the last five years, Hastings Hotels has announced that the popular festive event will also take place at the Culloden Estate & Spa in the lead up to Christmas.

The Polar Express is a fun festive occasion with a host of attractions for all the family, including a winter wonderland, story-telling with Mrs Claus and the Polar Express train adventure which will take guests on a magical journey to visit Santa and his elves in their busy workshop as they prepare for their busiest time of the year.

The much-loved Christmas event will take place at the Culloden Estate & Spa from Tuesday 19^th November – Saturday 23^rd November and at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa from Saturday 14^th – Sunday 22^nd December. Booking is essential and early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. 

Julie Hastings, Marketing Director of Hastings Hotels said: “We are looking forward to welcoming Polar Express to the Culloden Estate & Spa in November before its annual visit to the Slieve Donard Resort in December. Families from across Northern Ireland have been visiting Polar Express at the Slieve Donard for the last five years and we are delighted to be able to give more children the chance to visit this exciting Christmas experience by running it at the two hotels over the festive season.

It’s a magical event that gives families the chance to make special festive memories with lots to keep everyone entertained from movies and letter writing, to Christmas stalls and face painting before hopping on board the train to meet Santa and his Elves with gifts for the children and a personal photo.”

Both hotels will also be offering a fabulous selection of festive dining options including Santa’s Buffet and Afternoon Tea.

To hop on board for some Christmas magic at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa and Culloden Estate & Spa tickets can be purchased by going to www.hastingshotels.com/polarexpress andare priced £18 per adult, £25 per child (under 14) and £10 for children under one.

The search is over as the ‘Lost Boys’ have been found for an exciting new musical production of Peter Pan at Lyric 29 Nov – 4 Jan. 

Adapted from the play by JM Barrie Peter Pan The Musical by Paul Boyd sees fairies, crocodiles, flying children, and mermaids, embark on the most magical adventure – where Hook and the crew of the Jolly Roger come face to face with all of Neverland and the boy who won’t grow up.

Fly away on an awfully big adventure where anything is possible if you just believe.  Visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk for details.

Getting ready to take you on a journey to Neverland were, from left,

Bouncing back for a two-week run at the MAC, John Godber’s unapologetically provocative play can be experienced once again, in the exclusive setting of the Luminaire Club. Running from 21^st September until the 5^th October, Bouncers is a unique co-production between the MAC and Big Telly – a world famous play, told the Belfast way.

Set over the course of one night in a 1980s nightclub, Bouncers is a darkly funny play about the characters and shenanigans of a Belfast disco, told in Northern Ireland’s distinctive humour by the club’s doormen. This ‘slick, atmospheric production’ (The Stage, ★★★★) runs close to the bone, highlighting some dark references mirrored with 80s nostalgia. High-energy performances are coupled with an amazing era-specific soundtrack that takes the production in an ominously funny direction.

New bouncer, the acclaimed Sean Kearns will join the original trio of NI’s finest comedic actors Ciaran Nolan, Conor Grimes and Chris Robinson, putting a new spin on the quick-witted show. All the familiar characters from a typical night on the tiles make an appearance and, of course – the brilliantly brash bouncers tell each of their stories.

Ticket holders can experience the show within the exclusive Luminaire Club, which transform the MAC’s usual theatre space into an intimate jazz-club experience. For a great night out, customers can enjoy the show from premium cabaret seating complete with at table waiter service.

The MAC’s Creative Director, Simon Magill said:“Bouncers has been described as one of the funniest plays written in the last 40 years, but also promises to be a no-holds barred theatre experience. We were overwhelmed with the response to the show in April, and are delighted to have Bouncers return to our stage this Autumn.  

“We are especially excited to introduce a new twist to the play with the addition of renowned actor Sean Kearns, playing Lucky Eric. We’re sure that he will only add to the magic that was created on stage by the Big Telly creative team and existing cast members Conor Grimes, Ciaran Nolan and Chris Robinson.

“Like the previous run, the immersive 80s soundtrack will take you back in time, especially as we are hosting the play in our intimate Luminaire Club to echo that eclectic vibe.”

Tickets are set to sell out fast, so book now to avoid disappointment! The earlier you book, the cheaper the seat. For this show, the standard price seats start as low at £12.50 and rise over time to a maximum of £25 the closer it gets to the performance. Premium tickets are priced at £27.50.

The SSE Arena, Belfast, 25th March to 29th March, 2020

Tickets available exclusively to Cirque Club members today;, General publich on-sale begins Friday 20th September at 9am

Belfast, 16^th September – Cirque du Soleil is thrilled to present its coolest arena show yet – CRYSTAL – in Belfast. This one of a kind arena show blends circus arts and the world of ice skating in a stunning new production that will take the audience on a journey into a whimsical frozen playground where ice skating of all kinds mingles with acrobatics and aerial feats. CRYSTAL will perform at The SSE Arena, Belfast from 25^th March for sixperformances only.

Tickets for CRYSTAL are now available exclusively to Cirque Club members. Cirque Club membership is free and includes access to advance tickets and special offers – to join please visit : www.cirqueclub.com 

General tickets will be on-sale in Belfast beginning Friday 20th September at 9am.

Tickets are available for purchase online at www.cirquedusoleil.com/crystal

Ticketmaster in person:from 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour):   0844 847 2455 (ROL: 0818 719300)

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

• Wednesday 25^th March: Show begins at 8pm
• Thursday 26^th March: Show begins at 8pm
• Friday 27^th March: Show begins at 8pm
• Saturday 28^th March: Show begins at 4pm
• Saturday 28^th March: Show begins at 8pm
• Sunday 29^th March: Show begins at 1pm

MORE ABOUT CRYSTAL – A BREAKTHROUGH ICE EXPERIENCE

Created by Shana Carroll and Sebastien Soldevila, Crystal, our misfit heroine, takes you on an exhilarating tale of self-discovery as she dives into a world of her own imagination. Feel the adrenaline as she soars through this surreal world to become what she was always destined to be: confident, curious, and creative. CRYSTALinvites you to suspend reality and glide into a world that springs to colorful life with astounding visual projections and a soundtrack that seamlessly blends popular music with the signature sound of Cirque du Soleil.CRYSTAL is suitable for all ages.

The international cast of CRYSTAL features 43 artists, plus more than 40 crew members from 24 different countries.

Follow #CRYSTAL and #CirqueduSoleil on social media:

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OFFICIAL PARTNERS

We gratefully acknowledge our official partners ŠKODA and Panasonic Batteries.