Author: whatsonni

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is inviting all avid gardeners to enjoy a blooming great day out at the Spring Plant Fair on Saturday 11 April 2026, from 10am – 5pm at Antrim Castle Gardens.

Set in the beautiful Parterre Gardens, this free event will feature thousands of plants from specialist growers, along with expert advice to help you make the most of your garden. A convenient Plant Crèche will also be available, so visitors can shop with ease.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick said, “The Spring Plant Fair is a wonderful opportunity for residents and visitors alike to gather ideas, speak to experts and enjoy a relaxing day in the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens. Everyone is welcome, whether you are just starting out or a seasoned gardener.”

The Spring Plant Fair also marks the exciting lead-in to this year’s Home and Garden Show Ireland, an exciting new chapter for the much-loved event. Taking place from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June at the same location, the reimagined show will bring fresh inspiration for your home, both indoors and out, and promises a fantastic day out for all the family.

Joining David Domoney for the first time is award-winning interior designer Suzanne Garuda, also announced as a show ambassador. Known for her work on Andy Murray’s Cromlix House Hotel and appearances on DIY SOS, Suzanne will share her expert insights into luxury interiors, design trends and creative ideas, as well as meeting visitors and giving advice.

Early bird tickets are available now via gardenshowireland.com for just £10 until Saturday 11 April using code EB26 at checkout.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Museum Services have launched an engaging new heritage trail for Coleraine, offering residents and visitors a fresh way to explore the town’s rich architectural and cultural history.

Working in partnership with Primary 7 pupils from D.H. Christie Memorial Primary School, the project has produced a beautifully illustrated guide showcasing more than 20 of Coleraine’s historic buildings. The guide features watercolour images inspired by illuminated addresses held in the collections of Coleraine Museum, the Honourable The Irish Society and Libraries NI, alongside historic photographs from the collections of Robert Anderson and Sammy Walker.

Get ready for the ultimate pop concert at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre as ‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ takes to the stage!

Come and join us for the ultimate pop concert and celebrate the biggest hits from five of the hottest artistes of the moment in a dazzling explosion of music, dance, and excitement.

Let’s ‘Shake it Off’ to our very own Taylor Swift; sing along to ‘Flowers’ with Miley Cyrus; dust off all our best dance moves and HOT TO GO! With Chappell Roan, and not forgetting the unstoppable Sabrina Carpenter performing all her top hits such as ‘Espresso’

Watch the girls delight the audience in this incredible concert with a huge pop party to finish the show.

‘Flowers and Friendship Bracelets’ creates unforgettable memories for children and families. This show is the ultimate concert experience!

So, grab your tickets today and don’t forget those friendship bracelets! See you at the show!

Flowers & Friendship Bracelets will be staged at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Wednesday 8 April at 6pm. Tickets are priced £25 and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Four public spaces in Derry will experience an unusual series of dance ‘Encounters’ this Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th March, as part of the Match Make Project.

Supported by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Match Make is an opportunity from Maiden Voyage Dance for dance artists based in the Derry City & Strabane District Council area to form new creative partnerships, encouraging collaboration across disciplines and inviting fresh ways of making and sharing dance with communities.

Emerging Derry dance artists Maíre Morrison and Sarah Flavelle began their piece ‘Encounters’ from creative conversations about human encounters and relationships, proposing a new duet exploring how brief interactions between people can shape connection and shared space.

During rehearsals the artists developed the duet through improvisation, partnerwork and choreographic exploration, collaborating with composer Caolán Austin, whose music shaped the atmosphere and rhythm of the work.

Looking forward to the performances, Nicola Curry, Artistic Director of Maiden Voyage Dance said:

“This year’s Match Make programme brings together an exciting group of artists whose collaborations span film, puppetry, voice and movement, reflecting the richness and diversity of contemporary practice.

We are very excited to see the culmination of  Maíre and Sarah’s artistic process with ‘Enounters’, a pop-up contemporary dance duet exploring the different ways in which we can coexist, interact and build relationships over time.

These short performances will invite passers-by to experience contemporary dance in everyday settings, bringing the work directly into the city and making it freely accessible to audiences.”

‘Encounters’ will be performed by Maíre Morrison and Sarah Flavelle on the following dates and times, and at the following locations:

Saturday 28th March – Guildhall Square at 2pm and Craft Village at 3.30pm.

Sunday 29th March – Brooke Park at 2pm and Ebrington Square 3.30pm.

The performances are free and booking is not required.

For further information on ‘Encounters’ and the Match Make programme, visit www.maidenvoyagedance.com

BBC One’s Antiques Roadshow is coming to Bangor Castle this summer as part of filming for its 49th series. The much‑loved programme, presented by Fiona Bruce, will bring its team of expert valuers to the ground of the historic building on Sunday 26 July.

Visitors will have the opportunity to share their antiques, family heirlooms and vintage treasures with specialists covering jewellery, silver, ceramics, glass, pictures, rare books, clocks, watches, militaria and a wide range of collectable categories – from vintage fashion and furniture to film and music memorabilia.

As well as Bangor Castle the following locations will also feature in the upcoming series: Dartington Estate, near Totnes, Devon, Valentines Mansion & Gardens, Ilford, East London, Souter Lighthouse, South Tyneside and Caerphilly Castle, South Wales.

Presenter Fiona Bruce, who will be filming her nineteenth series of Antiques Roadshow, commented:

“Antiques Roadshow is gearing up to start filming a new series and every year I’m blown away by the variety and volume of objects shared with our team of specialists. There are always exciting moments of suspense and surprise when it comes to valuations as well as reassuring appearances of old favourites from diamond jewellery to fine china. I love meeting our visitors and hearing the personal stories behind their objects and we’ll be travelling around wonderful venues across the UK.”

Speaking ahead of the visit, Robert Murphy, Series Editor, said:
“The Roadshow is for everyone, and we’re looking forward to seeing those special items that mean something to our visitors. In recent years, we have seen a fantastic range of mementoes and treasures: ceramics by Picasso and paintings by Jack Vettriano, a medal for gallantry awarded to a pigeon, a rare Oasis demo tape and a cartoon by John Lennon, letters from poet Dylan Thomas, gold sovereigns and valuable watches by Omega and Patek Phillippe, a jewel-encrusted ballerina brooch valued at £40–£50,000, and items belonging to one of the founders of the SAS. We can’t wait to find out what treasures and surprises we’ll see at this year’s shows.”

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum welcomed the announcement, saying:
“We are delighted to host Antiques Roadshow at Bangor Castle. This is a fantastic opportunity for local people and visitors alike to showcase their treasured items in a beautiful and much‑loved setting. Bangor has a strong sense of community and heritage, and we look forward to welcoming the team and discovering the remarkable stories that will emerge.”

Free ticket applications are now open, with limited places available. Viewers can also submit items online for consideration.

For more information and to apply for tickets, visit www.bbc.co.uk/antiquesroadshow.

Watch Antiques Roadshow on BBC One on Sundays at 7pm and on BBC iPlayer.

For more information please contact: antiques.roadshow@bbc.co.uk

Down Royal Racecourse confirms Fibrus Broadband as headline sponsor of its popular Family Race Day, returning to Lisburn on Sunday 12th April 2026

Get ready for a whirlwind of excitement as the Fibrus Family Race Day returns to Down Royal on Sunday 12th April 2026. It’s set to be an action-packed fusion of racing and family entertainment, with headline sponsor Fibrus Broadband back to help transform Down Royal into the ultimate playground for racing fans and families alike.

Now firmly established as one of the most popular fixtures in Down Royal’s annual racing calendar, this year’s event promises another unforgettable day out for families across Northern Ireland, combining top-class National Hunt racing with a packed programme of family entertainment. From petting farm and pony rides to bouncy castles and face painting, the enclosure will ensure a magical day out for racegoers of every generation.

The pre-race excitement has already kicked off in local primary schools across Lisburn and Hillsborough with the “Design a Jockey Silk” competition. One lucky primary school pupil will see their artistic vision brought to life as a professionally manufactured silk displayed at the track on race day.

The continued partnership between Down Royal and Fibrus reflects a shared commitment to bringing communities together and inspiring the next generation of racing fans across the region.

Speaking of the return of Fibrus as headline sponsor, Dominic Kearns, Founder and CEO at Fibrus, said: “Fibrus are incredibly proud to be back as headline sponsor of the Fibrus Family Race Day for a third consecutive year. What started as an exciting new partnership has grown into something special – an event that genuinely brings communities together and creates lasting memories for families right across Northern Ireland.

“At Fibrus, connecting communities is at the heart of everything we do, and this race day captures that spirit perfectly. The atmosphere at Down Royal on Family Race Day is like nothing else, and we cannot wait to see families pouring through the gates again this April for what promises to be our best year yet.”

Chloe Ferris, Commercial Director at Down Royal Racecourse, added: “The Fibrus Family Race Day has grown year on year into one of the standout dates in our calendar here at Down Royal, and the enthusiasm from families across the region continues to blow us away each year. We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Fibrus back for a third year, their support has been instrumental in making this event the success it has become.

“With general admission, children under 14 can attend for free with a ticket-holding adult, making it outstanding value for families looking for a brilliant day out this spring. Whether you are a seasoned racing fan or bringing the kids to the track for the very first time, this is a day not to be missed.”

Gates open at 12pm on Sunday 12th April 2026. For full details and tickets visit //downroyal.com/.tickets.

The Fray

Autumn Light Tour

National Stadium, Dublin – 12 November

Ulster Hall, Belfast – 13 November

Tickets on sale Friday 20th March

Following a triumphant, sold-out Telegraph Building show after a decade-long hiatus, The Fray have announced their return to play The National Stadium, Dublin on 12 November and Ulster Hall, Belfast on 13 November 2026.

Tickets on sale Friday 20^th March at 10am from Ticketmaster.ie & www.ulsterhall.co.uk

The Fray had previously visited last November for the final dates of their How to Save a Life: 20th Anniversary Tour, which celebrated two decades of their iconic debut album. The multi-Platinum-selling band – composed of lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter Joe King, guitarist Dave Welsh, and drummer Ben Wysocki – continues to captivate audiences with the emotional depth and cinematic sweep of their music.

Originally rising to prominence in the early 2000s, the Colorado-bred group introduced a uniquely soul-searching alt-rock sound—timeless yet inventive, arena-sized yet profoundly intimate. Over the years, The Fray has earned four GRAMMY Award nominations, three Billboard Music Awards, multiple Billboard Top 10 hits, and a deeply devoted global fanbase. Their breakout single, “How To Save A Life,” spent 58 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 and became a defining anthem of ABC’s Emmy-winning series “Grey’s Anatomy.”

Praised by Rolling Stone for their “stick-in-your-head hooks and eloquent narratives” and by the Los Angeles Times for their “melodically rich” songwriting, The Fray’s 2005 debut album How to Save a Life is certified 4x Platinum by the RIAA and remains one of the best-selling digital debuts of all time. The band is currently working on new music, with additional releases planned in the coming months, following the recent launch of their latest single, “A Light That Waits.”

Connect with The Fray

Instagram / X / Website / Spotify

Debt can affect anyone. Yet the shame people feel around it often prevents them from getting the support they need.

Northern Ireland continues to face high levels of financial vulnerability, with many households affected by low wages, insecure work, rising energy and food costs, and limited access to savings. As a result, more people are turning to credit to make ends meet, often leading to unmanageable debt.