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.
www.snowpatrol.com
www.facebook.com/snowpatrol
www.instagram.com/snowpatrol
www.twitter.com/snowpatrol
www.youtube.com/snowpatrol

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.

Donaghadee Lights Up This Weekend!

Excitement is building as this weekend sees Donaghadee ‘Light Up’ with a fantastic programme of events from 5-8 September.

Duncan Campbell (Bull & Claw), Patrick Rowan (Harbour & Co), Zoe McCleery (Marketing Manager, Copeland Spirits), John McFerran (Pier 36) and Jamie Grant (Lighthouse Bar and Grill) are ready to raise the temperatures at the Donaghadee Lights Up Festival (5-8 September).

The festivities commence with a scrumptious Taste of Donaghadee food tour on Thursday 5 September at 6pm. The tour will include visits to the new Copeland Distillery as well as Bull & Claw, Harbour and Company, Lighthouse Bar and Grill, plus Pier 36.

A ‘deelicious’ menu has been constructed by the town’s top chefs with a tantalising course at each venue satisfying even the most discerning of food connoisseurs. Limited tickets are still available at £62pp.

If you fancy setting sail on the ocean and listening to ‘stories of old’ told through popular sea shanties, you can climb aboard at 7pm on Friday (6 Sept) or at 2pm on Saturday (7 Sept) and Sunday (8 Sept). Tickets cost £12 per adult and £6 per child.

Or if you prefer to keep your feet firmly on dry land, the Historic Walking Tour of Donaghadee will entertain and inform by giving you a glimpse into the town’s fascinating past. Hear tales of Vikings, the 12th century Norman outpost and the slave ship that sailed into the harbour during the 18th century.

These one-hour tours leave from Donaghadee Community Centre on Friday (6pm), Saturday (4pm) and Sunday (3.30pm). Tickets costs £3 per person.

Saturday evening in Donaghadee will be buzzing when the Red Hot Chilli Pipers take to the stage in The Commons with a free show that’s so hot, it reportedly carries its own health warning!

From 7.30pm to 9.30pm, the Scottish bagpipes and drums will raise the cooling September temperatures a notch higher as they entertain the crowds before a fantastic fireworks finale provides the perfect send-off for festival-goers.

FREE buses will operate from The Commons to Ards and Bangor Bus stations following the event at 10pm and 10.30pm. This is an outdoor event so please dress accordingly.

Please note that The Commons car park will be closed from midday on Friday (6 Sept) until 10am on Sunday (8 Sept), with no exception.

The concert and fireworks display are free to attend but booking for food, boat and walking tours is essential. Tickets are available from www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown.

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

Down

The Red Hot Chilli Pipers are returning to The Commons, Donaghadee this Saturday 7th September from 7.30pm-9.30pm, ending with a firework finale.  Free bus to Bangor and Newtownards from the event at 10pm and 10.30pm.  And that’s not all, this Thursday sees the return of boat tours of the bay and ‘A Taste of Donaghadee’ food tours on the 5th September.

Armagh

Macha is a new production celebrating through music and drama the myths and mysteries of Emhain Mhacha, the Navan Fort, ancient seat of the rulers of Ulster. Navan Centre and Fort this weekend, 6th and 7th September. Come dressed for the weather as this is an outdoor performance. 

Fermanagh

The Ulster Canoe Festival returns to Lisnaskea once again in 2019 this weekend, 7th and 8th September. This event is 2 full days of paddling sessions in the presence of some of the top open boat coaches in the province to help you improve your skills.  This year it is taking place in Upper Lough Erne. Share Discovery Village’s facilities right on the shore of the lough are ideal and the perfect location to access several popular rivers.

Tyrone

Join Aware for their Annual Mood Walk from Omagh Community House this Sunday 8th September.  This is a family friendly event and all dogs are welcome on leads.  Every penny raised stays in Northern Ireland, and will help Aware continue the work they do to support those living with depression, anxiety and bipolar. Registration includes medal and t-shirt.

Derry/Londonderry

This Saturday don’t miss the Women’s Wellbeing Fair at Meadowbank Sports Arena Magherafelt, and discover organisations in the Mid-Ulster area that promote women’s health and wellbeing.  Try out and receive treatments on the day. Everyone is welcome and admission is free!

Antrim

Join the Donkey Sanctuary in Templepatrick for their Open Day this Saturday!  You will have the opportunity to learn all about our donkeys and how they are cared for, browse the indoor craft stall and enjoy a variety of activities for all ages.  BBQ and refreshments will be available, parking and entrance is free!

Belfast

Belfast Zoo is delighted to once again host Sensory Day this Saturday 7th September.  This special day allows visitors on the autism spectrum and those with other sensory requirements to enjoy a day out to the zoo in a stress-free environment. 

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.

.

10 Exciting Things to do in NI

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

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

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!

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