Not every woman gets to spend the night with George Clooney… but Bridie Murphy does!
Over the course of one night, Bridie takes George on the journey of her life; from the terrible lows to the hilarious highs and charts the course to her unlikely future.
Brought to you by West Belfast’s award-winning Brassneck Theatre Company, this hilarious night of theatre will leave everyone wishing that they too could spend ‘A Night With George’
‘A Night With George’ will be staged on Friday 17 and Saturday 18 August at 8pm. Tickets are priced £16 and £14 (concession), and can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre. This performance will contain strong language and adult content.
And 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.
International singer songwriter Lisa Hannigan will perform at Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre this month.
Taking to the stage on Friday 31st August at 8pm, the singer will entertain audiences with her stunning collection of folk songs.
The Mercury Prize nominated and multiple Meteor Award winner began her career performing alongside Damien Rice in his band before releasing her debut album Sea Saw in 2008. Her second album ‘Passenger’ charted at Number 1 in Ireland in 2011 and earned a Choice Music Prize nomination. She released her third critically acclaimed album ‘At Swim’ in 2016.
Incredibly popular in the USA, Lisa’s music has also featured many times on screen including the film Gravity and dramas Fargo and Legion.
The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Brenda Chivers said: “‘We are honoured to welcome an artist of Lisa’s calibre and reputation to Limavady. With only two performance dates planned for Northern Ireland, it is fantastic that one of these is in the wonderful surroundings of Roe Valley Arts and Cultural Centre.”
Lisa will be supported by Derry-based singer, songwriter Rory Nellis.
To book seats or for further information contact the Box Office team on 028 7776 0650 or visit www.roevalleyarts.com
Aspects Festival, Northern Ireland’s longest running literature festival returns to Bangor this September.
Myles McCandless helps to launch the 2018 Aspects Irish Literature Festival at Clandeboye Estate. Taking place from 1 – 30 September in various locations around Bangor, the Festival celebrates writing in its broadest form, from poetry to prose, theatre to crime, journalism to well-being, drama and a wonderful children’s programme.
Taking place from 1 – 30 September, the Festival celebrates writing in its broadest form, from poetry to prose, theatre to crime, journalism to well-being, drama and the visual arts.
The programme commences on Saturday, 1 September at Clandeboye Estate when Lady Dufferin will give a talk reflecting on the environment and how the landscape of the estate has influenced her as a painter. The talk will begin a weekend of events led by the Clandeboye Reading Party featuring special guest, Sir Bob Salisbury, focusing on topics around bio diversity and the environment.
On Thursday, 6 September, at Bangor Carnegie Library, a very special book and exhibition launch will take place. Produced especially for the Festival, ‘Blood Horses’ is a collaboration between poet Moyra Donaldson and artist Paddy Lennon. Through words and images, poet and painter have together created a moving dialogue between poem and painting telling the stories of three famous stallions.
New to the programme this year is the Professional Development for Writers Weekend which will be held in North Down Museum on 8 and 9 September. Aimed at new and developing writers, the course is dedicated to the craft and process of writing, connecting with audiences and effective paths to publishing.
Aspects is delighted to welcome Maggie O’Farrell to this year’s Festival. The Northern Ireland writer is the author of seven best-selling novels and will be discussing her latest work, ‘I Am, I Am, I Am’ at The Chamber, Bangor Castle on 20 September.
The positive influence of words on the body and mind will be the focus for a weekend of well-being events at the Festival Yurt in Bangor Castle’s Walled Garden. From mindfulness, yoga and the power of poetry and journaling, the programme will appeal to anyone interested in calming a busy mind and learning relaxation techniques. The highlight of the weekend is sure to be the Pop-Up Supper Club on Sunday, 16 September – an evening for the senses, sharing ‘good mood food’ in a unique space!
‘Both Sides’ is an intriguing and atmospheric play by writer and dramatist Jane Coyle. Featuring actresses Hannah Coyle and Libby Smith and inspired by the works of Samuel Beckett, this stunning drama will be performed at North Down Museum on Wednesday, 19 September.
Young readers are in for a treat this year with a full weekend of Young Aspects events. From comic strip creation, sensory story experiences, autism-friendly story-telling and lots more, the programme will appeal to children of all ages. The Festival is delighted to once again welcome Myra Zepf, Children’s Writing Fellow for NI who will hold workshops in North Down Museum on Sunday, 30 September.
Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Richard Smart said, “With its eclectic mix of poetry and prose Aspects Festival highlights the wealth of literary talent in the borough and we are delighted to celebrate this alongside authors from further afield. Ards and North Down Borough Council is proud to host such a long-running event. We hope that everyone enjoys this year’s inspirational programme.”
The Festival takes place from 1 – 30 September at various locations around Bangor. For further information on the programme and to book tickets see aspectsfestival.com Tickets go on sale, tomorrow 2 August.
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.
Berries and Bubbles,Stormont Hotel, Belfast from £57 per person sharing
Add a little extra sparkle to your stay at the four-star Stormont Hotel on the edge of Belfast City with its Berries and Bubbles offer. This contemporary hotel sits adjacent to Stormont Castle and Parliament Buildings providing a unique location perfect for beautiful walks. Offer includes luxury overnight accommodation with a full Irish breakfast and a bottle of Prosecco and strawberries on arrival. To book call 028 9065 1066. Offer available until 31 August.
Stay and Play, Roe Park Resort, Co. Londonderry from £67 per person sharing.
A premiere golf and spa resort, the luxury four-star Roe Park Resort overlooks its own stunning eighteen-hole golf course and is set amidst the gorgeous surroundings of the Roe Valley Country Park. With the Roe Park as your base, explore the world-famous links courses of the Northern Ireland coast, all within easy driving distance. Offer includes a B&B stay with unlimited golf. To book call 028 7772 2222. Offer available until 31 December 2018.
Young at Heart, Corick House Hotel & Spa, Co. Tyrone from £155 per person sharing
Everyone needs a break from the hustle and bustle of real life so why not enjoy some relaxation at the four star Corick House Hotel & Spa. This idyllic 17th century house is situated in the heart of the Clogher Valley and offers a haven of tranquillity. Offer includes three nights’ B&B stay, tea or coffee on arrival and a main course meal in the Blackwater Bar & Grill on an evening of your choice. All guests have access to the thermal areas in the spa. To book call 028 8554 8216. Offer available until 30 November.
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 (6 – 12 August)
Portavogie Seafood Festival, Newtownards, Co. Down, 11 August. This festival celebrates Portavogie’s rich fishing heritage and is a fabulous day out for all the family. There will be cookery demonstrations, maritime themed activities, fun for the little ones and music throughout the day.
Stendhal Festival of Art, Limavady, 10 – 11 August. Celebrating all things creative, Stendhal Festival is a multi-award winning festival held in the stunning, scenic surroundings of Ballymully Cottage Farm, Limavady. The festival hosts a programme of music, poetry, comedy, dance, theatre, contemporary and traditional crafts, sculpture, street performance and craft workshops.
Festival of Flight 2018, Newcastle, 11 August. The Festival of Flight will be soaring high over the shores of Newcastle and Dundrum Bay. This event promises a powerful combination of stunning airborne antics led by the Red Arrows, complimented by family-friendly events and attractions.
Athenry: Dance of the Celts, Belfast, 8 August. Ta Da Irish Dance Company presents the tale of the famous song ‘The Fields of Athenry’ as you’ve never seen before at the Cabaret Supperclub in Belfast.
Open House Festival, Bangor, 1 – 31 August. Open House Festival Bangor is a vibrant music and arts festival that runs throughout the month of August in the picturesque seaside town of Bangor, Co. Down. The eclectic programme incorporates music, film, theatre, food & drink, books, local history, talks & tours, comedy, visual art and crafting.
Castle Capers Community Festival, Co. Fermanagh, 11 August. The men of the Tully Castle patrol the walls and make ready their weapons to defend this fortified house. See the firing of muskets, feel the heft of swords and pikes and try on the armour and helmets of the early 17th century.
Champion of Champions Pipe Band Competition, Portrush, 11 August. This is the culmination of a series of competitions held throughout the province during the year, offering a real feast of sound and colour. This event hosts a large number of bands, pipers and drummers, all vying for the silverware and is a great family day out.
Armagh’s Iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest, Armagh, 9 – 12 August. Armagh’s iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest returns for an eighth summer, bringing world class talent to more than thirty venues and locations across the celebrated “Cathedral City”.
Olly Murs, Belfast, 11 August. As part of Féile 30, X Factor star and The Voice UK judge, Olly Murs will perform his hit songs including ‘Please don’t let me go’, ‘Dance with me tonight’ and ‘Troublemaker’.
Family Fun Day, Magherafelt, 12 August. Hosted by the National Trust at Springhill, a 17th-century ‘Plantation’ home, with walled gardens and parkland, this event includes a BBQ, traditional games, face paint, music, nature trails and much more, perfect for all the family to enjoy.
Myra Zepf, the first ever Children’s Writing Fellow for Northern Ireland, is set to create the magical story behind this year’s Footsteps in the Forest. From kidnapped dragons and a mischievous witch to elves, fairies and druids, these are just some of the characters you could bump into at the Footsteps in the Forest Festival in Slieve Gullion. The two-day event returns on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th August when actors will guide adventure-seekers through the forest in a theatrical tour in search of dragons and to help overcome Gullion’s witch, the Cailleach Bheara. The Footsteps in the Forest Festival is part of the wider Giant Adventures programme, a major series of family festivals organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to showcase the region’s breath-taking mountains, coastline and mythical stories.
Armagh
Join Navan Fort this for the annual celebration of the Celtic Sun God Lugh. The 30ft Wickerman will proudly oversee the many and varied activities taking place during this evening of music, dance, crafts, and displays of ancient Celtic traditions & custom this Saturday 4th August. Enjoy performances by, among others, Hatch jaw, Trad Folk Experience. Get into step with dancing, observe the amazing agility of the World of Owls demonstrations. Be transformed with Henna body art and traditional face painting, and join our Celtic characters in their preparation for the great ceremony of the burning of the Wickerman. Pre-booking essential, limited tickets available.
Fermanagh
Arts Over Borders presents The Happy Days Enniskillen International Beckett Festival, Legnabrocky, Enniskillen, 1st to 5th August. The 6th Beckett Festival returns with its uniquely adventurous mix of site-specific events in our landscape, world class song in our churches and its engaging talks and discussions on a wide range of themes for everyone to enjoy.
Tyrone
Rock around the clock with The Soda Popz at the Alley Theatre Strabane this Saturday 4th August. This sensational seven piece band pays a memorable tribute to some of the best-loved hits from that fabulous era! Take a nostalgic trip back to the dance hall days with this action packed, fully costumed, toe tapping show which has been wowing audiences all over the country! Featuring the songs of Johnny Cash, Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Connie Francis and much more… So put your glad rags and dancing shoes on for an uplifting night of timeless classics!
Derry/Londonderry
See the second instalment of the Star Wars sequel trilogy and the eighth main instalment of the Star Wars franchise this Friday 3rd August at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady. Rey develops her newly discovered abilities with the guidance of Luke Skywalker, who is unsettled by the strength of her powers. Meanwhile, the Resistance prepares for battle with the First Order. Tickets are only £3.
Antrim
From 31st July to 4th August, Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is transported to modern-day New York City, as two young idealistic lovers find themselves caught between warring street gangs, the “American” Jets and the Puerto Rican Sharks. Their struggle to survive in a world of hate, violence and prejudice is one of the most innovative, heart-wrenching and relevant musical dramas of our time.
Belfast
Come along to Orangefield Park on the Connswater Community Greenway for Greenway Celebrations! There’ll be environmental activities, sports, historical tours, local food stalls, entertainment, street theatre and so much more! Part of The EastSide Park Fest. Two days, two parks in east Belfast and lots of activities for the whole family to enjoy! This August we are excited to announce the first EastSide Park Fest offering a whole weekend of fun in C.S. Lewis Square and Orangefield Park where we guarantee there is something or everyone. Admission is free.
For more 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.com for news, competitions and what’s on near you.
Join local school children, Alfie McBurney and Lily Kelly, who are taking the opportunity to relax and “go green” by taking the free shuttle bus to this year’s Portavogie Seafood Festival on Saturday 11 August, 12noon-5pm.
Ards and North Down Borough Council is providing the free return shuttle bus service from Newtownards Bus Station to the heart of the event, Portavogie Harbour. There will be three departures during the day. For a timetable see visitardsandnorthdown.com.
Little ones can be in for a chance to win a cash prize by dressing up ‘sea-themed’, just like Alfie and Lily. A prize each will be awarded to best dress boy and girl. There will be plenty more sea-themed fun for the little ones to enjoy including a touch tank on the day.
The festival as always will celebrate all things seafood. With cooking demos hosted by celebrity chefs, Paul Rankin and Nick Nairn, and Northern Ireland’s biggest fish market and artisan food stalls. Be sure to catch the free bus!
For more information, including a full programme and the timetable for the free shuttle bus service, go to: visitardsandnorthdown.com
One of the highlights of the Eastside Arts Festival (2-12 August) is the premiere of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again, an auto-biographical reflection of the late actor’s family home in east Belfast at 30 Park Avenue during his childhood.
The performance will take place at St Martin’s Church, east Belfast, on 2 & 4th August.
It stars Stuart Graham (The Fall, Hunger) and Fra Fee (Les Miserables, The Ferryman) who will both play Jimmy at different stages of his life and Michael Nevin (My Mother and Other Strangers) who will play Jimmy as an 8-year old child during the war. Katie Tumelty (Fly me to the Moon, Divorcing Jack) plays Jimmy’s mother Tilly and local musician Clare Galway plays his sister Eileen. It has been adapted and directed by novelist and director of the Seamus Heaney Centre, Glenn Patterson and is produced by Blunt Fringe.
Jimmy Ellis: Home Again combines poetry and live music to recreate and celebrate Jimmy’s family and the characters who informed his own life as well as the lodgers who inhabited the house at Park Avenue during the war years.
Jimmy Ellis has long been held in fond esteem in Northern Ireland, and by everyone who knew and worked with him.
Long-time friend of Jimmy’s Adrian Dunbar sent a message to Jimmy’s widow Robina Ellis saying: “The great Marlon Brando once said that Nostalgia is the most powerful drug of them all … I can only imagine the powerful spell the works and voice of Jimmy Ellis will have on those lucky enough to attend Jimmy Ellis: Home Again.”
This project has been supported by Belfast-based engineering firm Arup who have partnered with Blunt Fringe for the last few years to support their programme of work. Together they have helped to raise almost £25,000 for local charities through an annual charity concert and this year the partnership will help to bring a number of new projects to life including Jimmy Ellis: Home Again.
Claire Murray from Blunt Fringe said:
“We feel very privileged to be working on such a special project, and are very excited about bringing Jimmy’s words to life in this new production with the help of people who knew and admired him. Jimmy paved the way for many actors from Northern Ireland to be recognised in the wider world stage and his own story adds to the narrative of Belfast as an immensely rich artistic hub. We are very grateful to have the support of Arup’s team in Belfast to help us bring this work to this stage”.
Rachel Kennedy, EastSide Arts Festival Director commented: “We were delighted and thrilled to be working with Blunt Fringe to host this very special rehearsed reading of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again. In the unique surroundings of St Martin’s church, audiences will be transported back to the war time era of east Belfast and hear about the characters and music that impacted on a young Jimmy Ellis. We are very privileged to be given this opportunity to show this theatrical work in development and to share it with our audiences. This is certainly an event not to be missed.”
A rehearsed reading of Jimmy Ellis: Home Again is presented as part of the Eastside Arts Festival on 2nd & 4th August 2018 at 8pm. For booking details visit www.eastsidearts.net
ENJOY A MAGICIAL FAMILY DAY OUT AT SLIEVE GULLION THIS WEEKEND.
From kidnapped dragons and a mischievous witch to elves, fairies and druids, these are just some of the characters you and your family could bump into at the Footsteps in the Forest Festival in Slieve Gullion.
The two-day event returns on Saturday 4 and Sunday 5 August and whilst online tour tickets are sold out, there are still plenty of activities for the whole family to enjoy. Tour tickets may become available during the day due to “no-shows” from ticket-holders; if you’re interested in going on a tour, please go to the onsite ticketing area and staff there will try to assist. There will be a market featuring local food produce and musicians performing throughout the weekend. Other activities include face painting, balloon modelling, nature mask making, a puppet show and much more.
The Footsteps in the Forest Festival is part of the wider Giant Adventures programme, a major series of family festivals organised by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council to showcase the region’s breath-taking mountains, coastline and mythical stories.
Footsteps in the Forest is supported by Tourism NI. For further information about Footsteps in the Forest and the Giant Adventures programme visit www.heaveninaheartbeat.com/giantadventures
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.
Summer Self-Catering, Dovedale Cottage, Co. Down from £500 per stay
The four-star Dovedale Cottage is located one mile from the town of Banbridge, offering tranquil and peaceful surroundings and spectacular panoramic views of the rolling countryside and the Mountains of Mourne. This self-catering property sleeps up to six people and has charming traditional features such as wood burning stoves in each of the three bedrooms. Offer includes a £50 discount on a seven-night stay, using promotional code JON. To book call 078 0805 8392. Offer available until 28 September 2018, based on summer availability.
Fermanagh Lakeland Summer Deal,The Garden House Self-Catering Cottage, Co. Fermanagh from £375 per stay
This three-star, self-catering property sleeps up to six people and is based three miles outside Enniskillen. The property is set in a quiet, rural area of Fermanagh’s Lakeland at the edge of Riversdale Forest, alongside the beautiful Ballycassidy River, making it perfect for enjoying the abundance of wildlife, a number of walking trails and some fishing. Offer includes a discounted rate for a seven-night stay with promotional code den123. To book call 077 4529 3595. Offer available until 1 September 2018.
Causeway Coastal Route, 2 nights B&B and One Dinner, The Adelphi Portrush, Co. Antrim from £99 per person sharing
The Adelphi Portrush features 28 individually designed en-suite rooms and suites with a sauna, spa and in-house treatments available to make your stay as relaxing as possible. Centrally located in Portrush, this four-star hotel is an ideal base for exploring the town and surrounding Causeway Coast. Offer includes two nights B&B accommodation and one three-course evening meal. To book call 028 7082 5544. Offer available until 19 April 2019.
Over the course of one night, Bridie takes George on the journey of her life; from the terrible lows to the hilarious highs and charts the course to her unlikely future.
Taking to the stage on Friday 31st August at 8pm, the singer will entertain audiences with her stunning collection of folk songs.
Berries and Bubbles, Stormont Hotel, Belfast from £57 per person sharing 
Ards and North Down Borough Council is providing the free return shuttle bus service from Newtownards Bus Station to the heart of the event, Portavogie Harbour. There will be three departures during the day. For a timetable see visitardsandnorthdown.com.
Summer Self-Catering, Dovedale Cottage, Co. Down from £500 per stay