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

Down

Cycle in the Park for Knockevin is an all ability cycling event in Castlewellan Forest Park, hosted by Kilmegan VC this Sunday 22nd September.  There are cycling adventures for everyone from the novice to the seasoned lycra-clad warrior.

Armagh

From Thursday 19th to Sunday 22th September, Armagh Food & Cider Festival visitors to the iconic city of Armagh and its surrounding fruit-laden orchards can expect to raise more than a glass to an incredible spread of mouth-watering events.  An international extravaganza featuring multiple can’t-miss events in venues right across Ireland’s Orchard County, the Armagh Food & Cider Festival is this autumn’s hottest ticket.

Fermanagh

Festival Lough Erne takes place for the fifth year on 21st & 22nd September.  Ireland’s only island town, Enniskillen, will host Festival Lough Erne, a celebration of the very best of local food and the Fermanagh Lakelands. The weekend will see a host of activity on and off the water with cookery demonstrations by celebrity and local chefs, local artisan food and drink producers and live entertainment all taking place at Enniskillen Castle. 

Tyrone

The Showman is coming to the Strule Arts Centre Omagh this Friday, starring Peter Corry!  Combining the passion of Moulin Rouge, the spectacle of Barnum and the magic of The Greatest Showman, this new show brings an eclectic mix of iconic songs from ‘Somebody to Love’, ‘Your Song’, ‘Rise Like a Phoenix’, ‘The Show Must Go On’, ”Spanish Train’ to ‘This is the Greatest Show’.

Derry/Londonderry

Different Drums of Ireland come thundering onto the Playhouse stage this Saturday with a show not to be missed!  Feel the power of indigenous Lambeg and Bodhran drums, paired with Uileann pipes and whistles, guitar, world percussion and more.

Antrim

Larne Museum & Arts Centre will be open on Saturday 21st September.  See the permanent exhibition gallery which explores the agricultural, industrial, military and maritime history of the area. You will also have the ‘not to be missed’ chance to explore Discworld and the Charmed Realm in the temporary exhibition ‘Paul Kidby, Discworld and Beyond’. 

Belfast

With 53 producers in attendance, the Tesco Taste Festival 20th – 22nd September will be showcasing the very best local food and drink Tesco has to offer, all under one roof. Custom House Square, admission free.

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

OFFERS OF THE WEEK

Northern Ireland boasts an irresistible collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         1 x Night B&B, Bushmills Inn Hotel, Co. Antrim from £120 per room per night

The four-star Bushmills Inn Hotel is conveniently located on the Causeway Coastal route, providing the perfect base to explore the area and visit key tourist attractions such as The Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and Dunluce Castle. Originally a Coaching Inn in the 1600s for saddle sore travellers, this Hotel is steeped in history with a myriad of places to explore. From inglenook turf fires to hayloft snugs, there’s something to find behind every door. Offer includes overnight accommodation and a full Irish breakfast the following morning. To book call 028 2073 3000. Offer available until 15 November 2019.

·         1 x Night B&B, Seagoe Hotel, Co. Armagh from £119 per room per night

The four-star Seagoe Hotel is situated just outside of Portadown. This modern, yet homely hotel has maintained a high standard of service and attention to detail over its many years of business. The hotel is conveniently located close by to local shopping areas and parks, while Lough Neagh is only a short drive away. Offer includes one night’s bed and breakfast accommodation. To book call 028 3833 3076. Offer available until 15 November 2019. 

·         Autumn Stays, Belle Isle Estate, Co. Fermanagh from £250 per room per night

Stay at the four-star Belle Isle Estate in the heart of the Fermanagh Lakelands.  Belle Isle Estate is a designated Special Area of Conservation and the castle itself is a fantastic 17th century country house. Explore the walled gardens and relax in idyllic accommodation in this beautiful area of Northern Ireland. Offer includes two nights’ accommodation with breakfast each morning plus complimentary tickets to Enniskillen Castle and 2 for 1 admission to Belleek Pottery. To book call 0286 638 7231. Offer available until 15 November 2019.

Food Focus: 10 things to do in Northern Ireland

As part of the ‘Taste the Island’ initiative for the next 12 weeks DiscoverNorthernIreland.com will have the top three food experiences and events in their weekly  10 things to do listing. DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week including three food experiences and events (16-22 September)

1.       Armagh Food and Cider Festival, Armagh, 19-22 September. An international extravaganza featuring a huge spread of unmissable events in venues across the county. Festival visitors to the iconic city of Armagh and its surrounding fruit-laden orchards can expect to raise more than a glass to an incredible range of mouth-watering events.

2.       Wee Buns – Preserve the Season , Dungannon, 20 September. Capture the essence of Autumn in this preserving class using foraged damsons, rose hips and blackberries from the local hedges and locally grown fruit.  Learn about the fundamental techniques and skills of home preserving, make your own soda bread and take home a jar each of jam and pickles.

3.        Gins and Poitins of the Mournes, Newry, 19 September. Brendan Carty of Killowen Distillery will host an evening dedicated at traditional bar, Crawfords, to the top quality craft gin and poitín he produces in the heart of the Mournes. Several sample drinks will be served, including cocktails and mixers. The final sample will be a Poitín Irish Coffee. Food will also be paired with each drink.

4.       Art in the Orchard with Deborah Malcomson, Portadown, 21 September. Suitable for the complete beginner, budding or seasoned artists, this workshop will provide the opportunity for participants to apply their creative response to the surroundings – trees, apples and landscape. Deborah Malcomson, a professional visual artist will guide and support each participant through the process of exploring line, colour and form through a range of media.

5.       Festival Lough Erne, Enniskillen, 21-22 September.  The tranquil setting of Enniskillen Castle will see a hustle of families and foodie lovers sampling local produce and enjoying the tranquil setting of the River Erne. From live cookery demos with chefs and experts to entertainment on the bandstand, it’s set to be a fun weekend for all the family.

6.       Mourne Mountain Marathon, Newcastle, 21-22 September. Ireland’s only two-day endurance and navigation event for teams of two. Enter one of four categories, covering between 35km and 55km over two days. Camp overnight and be self-sufficient. The Marathon is open to everyone from walkers to elite runners.

7.       Culture Night and Day Belfast 2019, Belfast, 20-21 September. Over 200 free, family-friendly events across the city centre including gigs, talks, tours, walks, activities, screenings, workshops, children’s events and more.

8.       Deep RiverRock Belfast City Half Marathon, Belfast, 22 September. Over 5,000 participants are expected to take part in the largest half marathon event in Northern Ireland.  Entrants will take on the popular flat and fast 13.1 mile route, which weaves its way throughout the four corners of Belfast city.

9.       Montalto Foraging Experience, Ballynahinch, 21 September. Take a walk with NI Survival School and be introduced to some of the most common plants and trees that inhabit our island and discover some of their secrets that make them useful to us in edible or medicinal ways. After the return to the woodland camp and enjoy making tea and a light lunch from the foraged species.

10.   Kilkeel Walking Food Tour, Newry, 19 September. Enjoy a three-hour walking tour of Kilkeel, led by an enthusiastic and experienced local tour guide. The vast history of Kilkeel’s fishing and farming town is served up through fascinating facts and insightful stories whilst you enjoy some local delicacies.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com. For additional Taste the Island events, please visit www.discovernorthernireland.com/tastetheisland

Enchanted Winter Garden will Light up your Christmas

Power NI ‘Light Up’ Enchanted Winter Garden as official sponsors of this year’s Spectacular Christmas Event. Mayor Alderman John Smyth is joined by Stephen McCullly Managing Director (Power NI) and Sarah McIlmoyle at the official launch at Antrim Castle Gardens.

Power NI ‘Light Up’ Enchanted Winter Garden as official sponsors of this year’s Spectacular Christmas Event. Sarah McIlmoyle and her fire pictured at the official launch at Antrim Castle Gardens. Northern Ireland’s Premier Christmas Event will run from Friday 6 – Sunday 22 December. Tickets go on sale Friday 13 September at 10am from www.enchantedwintergarden.com or in person from Clotworthy House, Antrim, The Old Courthouse or Theatre at the Mill or T: 028 9448 1338. Picture John Murphy Aurora PA

Northern Ireland’s Premier Christmas Event, Enchanted Winter Garden returns to the award-winning Antrim Castle Gardens from Friday 6 to Sunday 22 December from 4.30-9.30pm, where the gardens are transformed into a magical world of enchantment, bigger and brighter than before with an array of dazzling attractions to brighten up your Christmas.

Our star attraction ‘The Big Wheel’ will keep on turning offering breath taking views over Antrim Town and beyond. Other attractions such as the Victorian Helter Skelter, Victorian Wave Swinger and Wonderland Wood, The Enchanted Express and Mallow pit will all make a welcome return spreading warmth during the festive season.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth commented, “Each year Enchanted Winter Garden exceeds all expectations, attracting thousands of visitors to our Borough. I am thrilled to have Power NI as the headline sponsor and with their support we will collaboratively light up lives across Northern Ireland in the magical run up to Christmas”.

Stephen McCullly Managing Director (Power NI) commented “I am delighted with the opportunity given to Power NI to be associated with this Fantastic Christmas Event in the heart of Antrim.  Antrim Town is particularly special to our Company given that we are a proud local employer with over 100 employees located here”.

An Evening of Inclusive Enchantment will return on Wednesday 18 December with reduced numbers, lighting and sound levels, Sensory & Quiet room, ideal for children and adults with additional needs.

Tickets for Enchanted Winter Garden go on sale on Friday 13 September (lucky for some) from 10am from enchantedwintergarden.com or in person from Clotworthy House, The Old Courthouse Theatre or Theatre at The Mill, or by telephone 028 9448 1338.

This year we are offering a discounted rate for all advance bookings; £4 per adult, £2 per child and £10 for a family ticket (2 adults & 2 children) or alternatively £6 per adult, £3 per child and £15 for a family ticket (if purchased at the gate). So be a bright spark and secure your tickets in advance for this Christmas extravaganza.

We are also offering a special discount for advance token sales (required for the main attractions) which are also available from enchantedwintergarden.com.

Session times for this year’s event will run every 30 minutes from 4.30pm finishing at 7pm however you can arrive up to a maximum of 45 minutes after your session time with last admission 7.45pm.

Get your Christmas off to an energetic start with a visit to Enchanted Winter Garden where memories are made, lighting up lives across Northern Ireland and beyond. It’s going to be ‘Powerful’.

No Parking on site. Free Parking in Town Centre Car Parks, including accessible parking.

Please note Tokens are required for some of the main attractions including the Big Wheel.

10 things to do in Northern Ireland

DiscoverNorthernIreland.com has stacks of fun things to do across NI, from family days out to gigs and cultural events. Here are ten exciting things taking place this week (9-15 September)

1.       European Heritage Open Days, Across NI, 14-15 September. Over 300 properties and events across Northern Ireland open free of charge during this weekend, many of which do not usually open to the public. Properties open include Florence Court, Belfast City Hall and many more.

2.       Day Walk – Slieve Binnian & North Tor, Newry, 14 September.  Enjoy a day walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains, climb Slieve Binnian and admire impressive granite tors, with a multi-lingual, qualified Mountain Leader.

3.       An ‘Olympic’ Challenge: Olympic, Titanic and Britannic, Belfast, 9 September. The Belfast Titanic Society and PRONI present their third annual lecture. Mark Chirnside explores the financial, technical and engineering issues that confronted the White Star Line as they planned Olympic, Titanic and Britannic and explains how they overcame them.

4.       Myra’s Story, Derry~Londonderry, 14-15 September. Brian Foster’s new adaptation of his acclaimed play, Maire a Woman of Derry. Living rough on the streets of Dublin, Myra Mc Laughlin is a foul mouthed, feisty, street drinker. She is also immensely funny and self- deprecating. Myra never wallows in self-pity as she gives us a hilarious, moving, and ultimately tragic account of her fall from grace.

5.       Traditional Irish Baking, Moy, 14 September. Wee Buns Cookery School offers a warm welcome at this hands on class, discussing recipes and techniques and making the most of local ingredients.

6.       Athenry: Dance of the Celts, Belfast, 11 September.  Irish dance company ‘Ta Da’  presents the tale of the famous song “The Fields of Athenry” like you’ve never seen before at the Cabaret Supper Club.  With a talented cast of World Champions and dancers from the biggest touring shows, such as ‘Riverdance’ and ‘Lord of the Dance’, watch as ‘Michael’ and ‘Mary’ find love during the Great Famine.

7.       Neon Night Maize Maze, Limavady, 14 September. Do you think you can make it out of the all new Maize Maze in a glowing record time? Try your best  at Carrowmena Activity Centre’s neon themed night maze event.

8.       Shane Todd: The Todd Father, Newcastle, 13 September. Following a hugely successful 2018 tour Shane Todd presents his biggest show yet, The Toddfather. Performing at a number of venues across Northern Ireland, see The Toddfather in Newcastle at The Anchor Bar.

9.       FUR & Guests, Belfast, 15 September. See Brighton-based quartet FUR perform at their only Belfast date in McHugh’s Basement with special guests.

10.   Hidden Gems Tour, Dungannon, 14 – 15 September. This full day tour offers an adventure into the wild and rugged Lough Neagh landscape and gives an insight into how the local people live with local guide, James Walshe. Explore the ancient roads and lanes to uncover tales of Vikings, healing sites and holy wells where Saint Patrick walked.

For more information on these events or to plan a short break in Northern Ireland, visit www.DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

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

Down

Join other foodies on the lawn at Slieve Donard Resort & Spa for a fun filled family day out at their Food & Drink Festival this Saturday 14th September. Featuring local produce, face painting, live entertainment, a bouncy castle and a host of other child friendly activities, admission is only  which includes a donation to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland.

Armagh

This Saturday, enjoy a tour of Armagh Planetarium building and grounds and explore the heritage of this unique organisation that is involved in ground breaking research and has been exploring the Cosmos from 1790.  Tours are free for European Heritage Open Day

Fermanagh

RSPBNI Bat Detectives this Friday at Enniskillen Castle is a great opportunity to learn more about bats, to see and hear them and to immerse yourself in their world. There will be a short introductory talk about bats followed by a night-time walk using bat detectors to identify the different species living in Enniskillen town centre. 

Tyrone

See Little Red Riding Hood and the Silly Billy Wolf this Saturday at the Alley Theatre Strabane.  This colourful, fast-paced all singing and dancing show is a fun and gentle re-telling of the classic fairy-tale of Little Red Riding Hood. 

Derry/Londonderry

Has your pooch got what it takes?  Bring them along to the Jungle Family Fun Day and enter them in the Dog Show this Sunday.  The last Dog Show was such a success they have added a few more categories! With 10 great categories to choose from there is something for every pooch!

Antrim

I Sing for Me Community Choir begins on Friday 13th September.  This is an all abilities, all ages choir. If you would like to use your voice, get out and meet other people then come along and join in.  Just  bring your voice and sense of fun!  Weekly on  Friday mornings beginning this Friday.  10.30am to 12.00pm at Ballymena Methodist Hall.

Belfast

Enjoy the new Downton Abbey movie in the fabulous surroundings of the Strand Arts Centre, all to raise vital funds for Almost Home Animal Rescue this Saturday 14th September. 

For further 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 for news, competitions and what’s on near you.

Free screenings of The Quiet Man at Flowerfield Arts Centre

Flowerfield Arts Centre is giving you the chance to see the all-time classic film ‘The Quiet Man’ for free later this month.

Two screenings will take place on Wednesday 25th September, including a ‘dementia friendly’ option at 11am aimed at older people and community groups and a later show at 7pm which is open to all.

Directed by John Ford, who can forget the battle of the sexes between American Sean Thornton (John Wayne) as he returns to his Irish roots and homeland and the feisty Mary Kate Danaher (Maureen O’Hara). A comedy romance, this film charmed international audiences with its heart-warming depiction of rural Ireland

Due to its running time (129 minutes) there will be a short interval with tea, coffee and refreshments.

This project was made possible through funding from the National Lottery awarded to the British Film Institute (BFI) and managed by Film Hub NI, Queens University, Belfast

Although admission is free, please reserve your space by calling 028 7083 1400. Group bookings welcome.

SNOW PATROL ANNOUNCE REWORKED TOUR FOR DUBLIN AND BELFAST

EXTRA DATE: Waterfront Hall, Belfast: 29 November

ON SALE NOW!

REWORKED EP1 OUT NOW VIA POLYDOR RECORDS

Snow Patrol confirm their Reworked tour for Dublin’s Olympia Theatre on 26 November 2019 and Waterfront Hall, Belfast on 28 November 2019 – EXTRA BELFAST DATE NOW ADDED.

On this tour, Snow Patrol will play re-imagined versions of tracks from their catalogue, as well as new songs from their Reworked album.

The band’s forthcoming Reworked album, which includes three new songs as well as 13 re-envisioned versions of classic songs, and celebrates Snow Patrol’s 25th anniversary as a band. Snow Patrol’s Reworked is available for pre-order here on all formats via:  https://snowpatrol.com/

Snow Patrol’s Reworked EP1 is available now via Polydor Records. The EP includes “reworked” versions of “Crack The Shutters,” “Chocolate,” and “Open Your Eyes,” as well as the previously released new song, “Time Won’t Go Slowly.” Snow Patrol’s Reworked EP1 is available here.

Snow Patrol’s album Wildness, their first studio album in seven years, was released last year reaching #2 in the UK album charts and going gold in the process. The band recently performed to 35,000 fans in Bangor, Northern Ireland at their own festival Ward Park 3, which celebrated the music of Northern Ireland with all 11 artists on the bill from NI, and featured a career defining performance by the band, including a special guest appearance from Bono.

This year Snow Patrol’s hit Chasing Cars was announced by the PPL as the most played song on UK radio of the 21st Century.

Over a twenty-five year career, Snow Patrol have carved out a unique place for themselves. Since their 1998 debut, Songs for Polarbears, the band have racked up an impressive number of critical and commercial accolades, including over 17 million global album sales, 1+ billion global track streams, 5 UK Platinum Albums, an Ivor Novello award and have been nominated for a Grammy and Mercury Music Prize.
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TICKETS FOR THE WATERFRONT HALL ON SALE NOW

Tickets for the Waterfront Hall are available:

In person at the Ulster Hall box office

By Telephone: 028 9033 4455
Book On Line: www.waterfront.co.uk / www.ulsterhall.co.uk

In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide 
By Telephone (24 Hour): Northern Ireland – 0844 847 2455
Book On Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

New Bangor Dog Park Officially Opened Alongside Cool Canines Event

A new Bangor dog park was officially opened near the Seacliff Road during the recent ‘Summer Fun for Cool Canines’ event that was organised by the Dogs Trust charity in conjunction with Ards and North Down Borough Council.

With the hot sunshine beating down, plenty of dogs and their owners were already making use of the enclosed park. The new facility allows dogs to roam freely without fear of escape and owners can relax on benches while keeping an eye on their four-legged friends.

All received a warm welcome from members of the Dogs Trust charity who raised awareness about the dangers of leaving dogs in hot cars while providing practical tips to keep their four-legged friends cool and safe during warm days.

Even the dogs were supplied with free doggy ice cream, water and enjoyed a pool party!

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Alderman Bill Keery, said:

“The new dog park is a fantastic new facility for dog owners in Bangor. It’s perfectly located near the coastal path and will give owners the chance to let their dogs run freely in a safe environment.”

“Officially opening the park alongside the Dogs Trust charity event provided a great opportunity to raise dog owners’ awareness about the dangers that their pets face on hot days.”

Just a few minutes in a hot car can prove fatal for dogs and yet every year animal welfare charities and the police receive thousands of reports of animals being left alone in cars on warm days. The summer is now coming to a close but dog owners should always be wary of leaving their dogs in hot environments.

Laura McAnea, Campaigns Manager at Dogs Trust, said:

“Many people still believe that it’s OK to leave a dog in a car on a warm day if the windows are left open or if they’re parked in the shade, but the truth is, it’s not.”

“A car can become as hot as an oven very quickly, even when it doesn’t feel that warm and a dog can die in a hot car in 20 minutes. When it’s 22 degrees outside, in a car it can reach an unbearable 47 degrees within the hour.

Dogs Trust and the Council advise that if you see a dog in distress in a hot car, call your local Animal Welfare Officer who will liaise with the PSNI to organise the rescue of the dog. This will help ensure the dogs can be removed from the car as quickly as possible, in a safe and legal manner.

To find out more about caring for dogs in hot weather, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk.

FALL INTO AUTUMN AT THE CULLODEN ESTATE & SPA

TREAT yourself to a luxurious Autumn break at the Culloden Estate & Spa and take advantage of the Rest & Revive package from only £100pps*.

Enjoy luxurious overnight accommodation, complimentary room upgrade, a selection of tasty local treats, full Irish breakfast and use of the spa facilities.

This magnificent hotel, recently named one of the top 10 snazziest hotels in Ireland by leading independent Irish travel and culture website, Ireland Before You Die, is just six miles from Belfast and the perfect location for guests to completely unwind and relax with roaring log fires and views over Belfast Lough and across County Antrim.

The Culloden Estate has 98 stunning bedrooms and suites, luxurious spa and a range of dining options including Vespers Restaurant serving modern cuisine using only the finest and freshest local ingredients; The Lough Bar offering light snacks and the hotel’s famous decadent Afternoon Tea and the Cultra Inn, a cosy bar and bistro which nestles within the Estate and is perfect for a tasty lunch, evening meal or pint by the fireside. 

For further information or to book go to www.hastingshotels.com or call 028 9047 1066.

*Terms and conditions apply. Subject to availability.