Author: whatsonni

10 Exciting Things to do in NI

By

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 (2 – 8 September)

1.       Mount Stewart Conversations Festival 2019, Newtownards, 7-8 September. Mount Stewart Conversations Festival celebrates the history of Mount Stewart, revealing its unique stories and influence as a hothouse of ideas, debate, politics, music, literature and the arts.

2.       Macha at Navan Fort, Armagh, 6-7 September.  As part of the #embracetheplace art events, enjoy this new work by Armagh-born traditional musician and composer Niall Vallely, exploring the history and myths associated with the Navan complex.  The event includes a dramatic performance by Armagh Rhymers, musicians from Armagh Pipers Club and audio-visual displays together with a promenade to the Fort itself.

3.       The Belfast International Tattoo 2019, Belfast, 6-7 September. A youth theme will underpin the 2019 event programme with the Victorian Youth Pipe Band travelling from Australia to Belfast for the performance along with a number of other acts at the SSE arena. 

4.       Gourmet Wine Evening, Ballymena, 5 September. Savour Galgorm’s gourmet cooking paired with wine tasting under the expert supervision of a guest speaker in The River Room Restaurant. Each guest will savour a wine and canapé reception on arrival, followed by a five-course dinner created by Head Chef Chris Rees.

5.       Day Walk – Slieve Donard, Newcastle, 7 September.  Enjoy a day walking in the beautiful Mourne Mountains and tackle Northern Ireland’s highest peak, Slieve Donard, with a multi-lingual, qualified Mountain Leader.

6.       Defence Heritage in Castlerock, Castlerock, 7 September. The area around Castlerock is peaceful and beautiful now, but in the past, the region been the focus of military activity for centuries, and each phase has left its mark in one way or another. Join the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust on this day of exploration.

7.       Russell Howard, Belfast, 3-4 September. Following the record-breaking success of his 2017 tour Round The World, Russell Howard returns with his biggest globe-spanning stand-up comedy tour to date, Respite, performing at the Ulster Hall.

8.       Italian Cookery Demonstration by Ian Orr at Browns Bonds Hill, Derry~Londonderry, 7 September. Join Chef Patron Ian Orr for an Italian Cookery Demonstration. Ian will share tips to prepare sumptuous meals at home. The demonstration will be followed by a three-course meal.

9.       Causeway Coast Challenge, Ballycastle, 7 September. Push yourself to the limit on this spectacular challenge in support of people affected by Parkinson’s. Choose from a 13, 19 or 27.5 mile coastal hike or run along the clifftops, beaches and footpaths of the North Atlantic Coast.

10.   Shane Todd: The Toddfather, Armagh, 5 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 Armagh at the Market Place.

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

Donaghadee Lights Up Food Tour

By

Following on from the success of last year’s sold out Donaghafeed food tour #DonaghadeeLightsUp Festival weekend presents Taste of Donaghadee on Thursday 5 September at 6pm.

Eat and drink your way through the courses at The Copeland Distillery, Dee Bull & Claw, Harbour and Company and The Lighthouse Bar and Grilll before ending the evening with dessert and entertainment at Pub on the Pier | Pier36

Tickets £62 per person
Booking is essential!

Call 028 9182 6846 or book online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown

Creative Events to Fire Imaginations at Young Aspects

By

This year’s Young Aspects programme takes place on 20 and 21 September in Bangor and features a range of creative events to fire young imaginations.


Rhys Eakin gets in some drawing practice ahead of the Young Aspects creative events programme taking place in Bangor on 20 and 21 September. From story-telling to illustration and digital art, there’s plenty on offer to inspire young imaginations.

Suitable for children of all ages, the events range from story-telling, to drawing, a comic workshop, and more.

The Festival is delighted to welcome illustrator Barry Falls who is holding an illustration workshop in Bangor Carnegie Library on Friday 20 September at 3.30pm. Suitable for 7 – 12 year olds, the workshop will explore characters, story and how words and pictures can work together to brings stories to life. Barry will use his new book ‘It’s Your World Now’ and his exhibition which will be on display in the library, to inspire the children. Tickets cost £7.

North Down Museum will host Cosy Bedtime Stories on Saturday 21 September at 6pm. Get your jammies on and bring a blanket to this lovely event where you’ll hear stories from new books and some old favourites. Suitable for 4 years +. Tickets cost £3 including cookies and a drink.

Young Aspects also features Toddler Storytime, Book Inspired Yoga, a digital art workshop, poetry collage making and a Sensory Story event. All perfect for your little readers and artists!

Speaking about the programme, Aspects Festival Director Patricia Hamilton said: “Young Aspects is an excellent opportunity for kids to get creative. The events are always a hit with our young audience and we would encourage everyone to book early to avoid disappointment.”

To view the full programme and to book tickets, visit aspectsfestival.com

Spinning Yarns Festival – A Darn Good Day Out!

By

Spinning Yarns Festival returns to the award-winning Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 31 August & Sunday 1 September celebrating the wonderful world of all things wool & linen. This two day event has something for all ages to enjoy.

Amy Cosby, Lucy Cosby, Lauryn Hill and Evie Cosby from Newtownabbey

Weave your way through our marketplace, offering an array of country craft, textile traders and food stalls including The Sewing Drawer, Fabric Affair, Down on the Farm, Flossy Treats, Baked in Belfast and Parlour Yarns.

Chef, Paula McIntyre MBE will be rustling up some tasty treats during her cookery demonstrations from ‘field to fork ‘whilst Angeline Murphy, fashion designer, will show you how to create a dress from a duvet in her sustainable sewing and reuse of textiles talks.

New to this year’s line-up, we are delighted to have Louise Kelly, doll maker and soft toy designer who is based in County Londonderry join us for Spinning Yarns. Louise will be holding classes throughout the event on the art of doll making, you can often see her on ‘The Sewing Quarter’ craft TV channel.

Our local Craft Group, Hookery, will be hosting a drop-in knitting and crochet space where you can learn new skills. Find out how crafting can improve both your mental and physical well-being with Joanne Lee and her team of mindful crafters.

The endearing Alpacas, a mobile farm, glitter tattoos, face painting, balloon modelling, arts & crafts will keep the little ones amused whilst the grown-ups can kick back and enjoy the live music from Connor Taggart. 

So if you needle little inspiration or simply a “darn” good day out join us at Spinning Yarns where we have it all sewn up!

For more information and details visit www.spinningyarnsfestival.com  

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

By

Down

The Clandeboye Foodie Festival takes place this weekend on Saturday 31st August and Sunday 1st September at the Clandeyboye Estate in Bangor,, featuring local food and drink  producers,  demonstrations, tastings and much more. Admission is free!

Armagh

In The Heart of the Country this Friday at the Market Place Theatre, tells how a farming community in mid-Tyrone dealt with the complex issues that arose from the search for Civil Rights. At that time dancing and country music  were the main social diet albeit mostly one side of the community. Our story reflects how a young couples love of country music could transcend age old tribal barriers but not without a price to pay. The price of peace is often more expensive than we ever bargain for. In this case it most certainly was.

Fermanagh

Activities for All is a portfolio of action-packed, outdoor activities which SHARE offers to the general public! These activities are available every day in August and includes Archery, Sailing, Canoeing, Banana Boating and many more!

Tyrone

The 28th annual Bluegrass Omagh music festival returns to the Ulster American Folk Park from Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September. Award-winning American and European bands and performers will descend on the museum to join acclaimed acts from across Ireland. The headline act bringing their popular and growing brand of Bluegrass music to this year’s festival is industry and fan favourites Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers. 

Derry/Londonderry

Carnival of Colours is back and  this time it’s on tour, bringing the most circus-y Festival you’ve ever witnessed to the stunning-est, most slopey Brooke Park in Derry this Saturday and Sunday, and you are invited! Acts include Grant Goldie, Andrea Fidelio, Dr Skita, Siolta Circus AND Jack Wise…to name just a few! 

Antrim

Antrim Castle Gardens will once again host the popular Spinning Yarns Festival this Saturday and Sunday. A Festival of Colour, Creativity and Craft celebrating the wonderful world of all things associated with textiles, in particular wool & linen, where we will showcase these homespun yarns in all their forms.

Belfast

Calling all brides to be – it’s back! The Stormont Hotel Wedding Show on Sunday 1st September 2019, 1.00pm until 4.00pm with two Fashion Shows, Live Band Showcase and Over 60 Exhibitors.

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.

MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE! RETURNS TO BELFAST WITH A NEW SHOW FEATURING GUARDIANS OF THE GALAXY AND MORE THAN 20 FAVOURITE MARVEL SUPER HEROES AND VILLAINS!

By

SSE Arena Belfast: 8th to 10th November

Tickets go on sale: Thursday 29th August at 8am

  • Marvel fans assemble for this action packed, live arena stunt show
  • Following a successful first tour, Marvel Universe LIVE! returns to Belfast with an all new storyline and never before seen characters in one epic battle of good versus evil

Super hero action, thrills and drama will soar, smash and burst into arenas across the UK next autumn as Marvel Universe LIVE! returns with a brand new show. Visiting nine UK cities in this all new production, produced by Feld Entertainment, Marvel fans will see Spider-Man, The Avengers and the Guardians of the Galaxy join forces with Doctor Strange, master of the mystic arts, in a race against time to recover the Wand of Watoomb before it falls into Loki’s hands.

For those looking to get their hands on the best seats in the house, tickets go on sale 29th August.

Ticketmaster: In person: From 100 Ticketmaster Outlets Nationwide
By Telephone (24 Hour): 0844 847 2455

Book On-Line: www.ticketmaster.ie

The audience will witness cutting-edge special effects, pyrotechnics, and impressive 3D video projection mapping in this completely new thrilling adventure. With aerial stunts, martial arts and daring motorcycle skills, fans of all ages will be immersed in the Marvel universe in a show unlike anything they’ve ever seen before!

Called on by Doctor Strange, the Guardians of the Galaxy join Marvel Universe LIVE! on a momentous crusade against the scheming Nebula who teams up with the conniving and loathsome villains Loki and Green Goblin. The incredible superhuman forces of Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther, Hulk and Black Widow will unite in clashes that pit student against mentor, sister against sister and brother against brother.

“Our tremendously talented creative team and a nearly super human cast, have created a show that brings Marvel to life,” said Juliette Feld, producer of Marvel Universe LIVE! “The show creates an experience that immerses families in non-stop action, creating movie-style thrills and jaw-dropping stunts that showcase the powers of your favourite Super Heroes right before your eyes.” 

The show will be flying into arenas in Nottingham, London, Sheffield, Glasgow, Liverpool, Belfast, Dublin, Newcastle, Manchester and Birmingham from September until December 2019. 

SSE Arena Belfast: 8th to 10th November

3Arena Dublin: 15th to 17th November

Chill out this August Bank Holiday weekend with activities for all the family at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens

By

It’s set to be a spectacular Bank Holiday weekend at Hillsborough Castle and Gardens, County Down, with a series of exciting events and activities that will keep all the family entertained!

A panoramic view of the south front. Hillsborough Castle is a late Georgian mansion built in the 1770s by Wills Hill, first Marquis of Downshire. Today, this is a working royal palace functioning as the official residence of the Royal Family when they are in Northern Ireland, and it has been the home of the Secretary of State since the 1970s

Make a day of it and discover what Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has to offer, with activities from Saturday 24 August – Monday 26 August including:

  • Georgian Ice Cream Workshop – cool off and have a go at making your very own Georgian ice cream. Watch a live demonstration on how to make gelato, then all children can get creative and make their own ice cream sundaes! Aspiring little chefs can take home an ‘ice cream sundae making’ certificate too!
  • Get crafty with Kite Making –retrace the footsteps of one of America’s founding fathers, Benjamin Franklin who visited the Castle in the 1770s.Inspired by his famous kite experiment, make your own kite to fly in the stunning gardens on Saturday and Sunday. 
  • Enjoy the sounds of Downshire Bass Band – there will be entertainment from Northern Ireland’s leading brass band, Downshire Brass Band on Saturday and Sunday. The band will be performing in the South Terrace among any array of colourful flora.
  • Go on a fascinating nature trail – children can go hunting for bugs and other wildlife with maps and adventure kits provided. Pick up a pair of ‘bugnoculars’ and explore the magnificent grounds with 100 acres of ornamental grounds, peaceful woodland and meandering waterways.
  • Join one of the new interactive Family Tours – join a tour of the sumptuous State Rooms and discover the weird and wonderful things some of our guests have left behind!

Booking is recommended for all activities with limited spaces available. For more information and to book tickets visit hrp.org.uk/hillsboroughcastle

Hillsborough Castle and Gardens has been completely transformed by independent charity Historic Royal Palaces after five years and a £24 million investment – supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and other generous donors. Greeting visitors upon arrival is a new visitor centre complete with café and shop.

“Luminous Soul celebrates a decade of dance with the ‘MeetShareDance’ festival”

By

Open Arts, one of Northern Ireland’s most dynamic arts and disability organisations will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of its dance group Luminous Soul by hosting the inclusive dance festival MeetShareDance in Belfast from 5 – 7 September 2019.

Luminous Soul is the only contemporary dance development programme for disabled people in Northern Ireland and features members who have a range of disabilities: physical, sensory, learning disabilities and mental health illness.

Now in its eighth year, MeetShareDance is an international workshop dance festival which is based around the ideas of inclusivity and exchange.  It aims to raise the profile of integrated dance in artistic and everyday life. The festival has previously taken place in Porto, Madrid, Helsinki, Berlin, Lubjana and Dublin – this will be its first visit to Northern Ireland.  

Eileen Branagh, Chief Executive of Open Arts said:

“MeetShareDance embodies the ethos of what Luminous Soul as a disability dance group has been doing for the past 10 years.  We bring people of all abilities together to learn to dance, make new connections and share their talents with each other and the public. 

Over a decade of dance, Luminous Soul members have worked with and been trained by some of the most well known inclusive choreographers in the UK and Ireland and some have even gone on to have their own successful careers in professional dance.  We’re really looking forward to celebrating the group’s achievements with dancers from all over Europe at MeetShareDance in Belfast in September.” 

During the festival forty amateur and professional dancers from eight countries – Spain, Portugal, Germany, Ireland, Greece, Luxembourg, UK, Slovenia – will take part in three days of inclusive dance workshops at the Crescent Arts Centre. Participants in MeetShareDance will then showcase their skills to the public with a performance of a newly devised collaborative piece in Cornmarket at 1pm on Saturday 7 September. 

Gilly Campbell, Head of Community Arts and Education, Arts Council of Northern Ireland, commented:

“The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is committed to providing opportunities for everyone to access and engage with the arts.  Congratulations to Open Arts on celebrating ten years of providing high-quality dance development opportunities, for people with disabilities, through the Luminous Soul programme and we look forward to the Meet Share Dance Festival coming to Belfast to mark the occasion this September.”

For further information on Luminous Soul and the MeetShareDance 2019 festival, visit www.openartsni.org 

Open Arts is principally funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and receives Core Multi-Annual Funding from Belfast City Council’s Tourism Culture & Arts Unit. 

One Night with You, at the Market Place Theatre, Armagh

By

Get ready for an evening of pure nostalgia at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, with ‘One Night With You’.

This two-hour, feel-good uplifting show, will take you down memory lane with the hits of three of Rock ‘n’ Roll music’s greatest icons; Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison & Elvis Presley! Featuring all the hits to have you dancing in the aisles, from ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’, ‘I Drove All Night’, ‘Shake, Rattle & Roll’, ‘Teddy Bear’, and ‘That’s All Right Mama’, to name but a few!

Each of these outstanding West End artists are worth buying a ticket to see in their own right but all three together make for a powerful musical evening full of nostalgia and fun! Featuring Marc Robinson with his Stratocaster Guitar, Darren Page with his dark glasses, and Steve Halliday with all the moves of the king himself!

Will rock ‘n’ roll ever die? That’ll be the day!  ‘One Night with You takes to the stage on Friday 6 September.

Tickets are available from the Theatre Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre. To keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

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

By

Down

Pride in Newry Festival 2019 takes place from 24th August to 1st September.  Pride in Newry is the proud host of UK and Ireland Pride 2019.  A variety of engaging and family friendly events populate the programme of events spanning over a week.

Armagh

The Planetarium is being taken over by Jedi and Sith on the 24th and 25th August.  Bring your younglings down and train them up in the ways of the force, or the dark side at Force Academy Training.

Fermanagh

This Friday 23rd August, come to SHARE for a fun-filled evening at their Charity Colour Run!  This fun, 5k run takes place on their estate and you will have to take on a number of obstacles while getting covered in powdered paint!

Tyrone

A travelling theatre group are set for a night of music and entertainment, when suddenly the lights go out and the mysterious Phantom appears at the Murder Mystery evening “The Phantom Strikes Again” at the Alley Theatre Strabane on Saturday 24th August. 

Derry/Londonderry

The Banks of Foyle Festival presents Open Air Cinema showing ‘The Greatest Showman’ on a  50ft screen at the Vale Centre Greysteel on Friday 23rd August. Donation £5 per adult, £2.50 u16s.

Antrim

History comes to life at Dunluce Castle this Saturday afternoon.  If you’ve ever wanted to try shooting a longbow, this dramatic Castle jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean is the perfect place to have a go at archery, meet some Medieval characters and experience the atmosphere and unique beauty of Dunluce.

Belfast

The first Ukulele BBQ with the Belfast Ukulele Jam in the BOHO Garden at the Botanic Inn takes place this Saturday from 1.00pm to 4.00pm. This is a free music event.

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.

© Copyright What's On NI 2017. All Rights Reserved.